Emi Buendia will come good at Aston Villa but Dean Smith hopes he does not seal Norwich City's Premier League fate.

Smith himself faces a Villa Park reunion at his old club on Saturday that could end in confirmation the Canaries are relegated back to the Championship, if results go against them.

The City chief swooped for Buendia last summer, in a deal that smashed Norwich’s previous club record sale, but both parties have endured a tough campaign.

The Argentine midfield ace has fallen out of favour under Steven Gerrard, with his last top flight start over a month ago.

“A terrific player. Every Norwich City fan will tell you he is a terrific player but he goes to Aston Villa and it just underlines a transition from one club to another can take time,” said Smith. “We are having to be patient with some of the players we've signed here.

"He certainly had a stop start introduction at Villa. He got injured in pre-season. Then we had that Covid issue travelling to Argentina and getting banned. He was not able to play and had to stop off in Croatia for a week or two.

"It was very, very disruptive. But talent, no question, heart and desire, no question at all. So no regrets for me that somebody's paid £35m, or whatever it was. That's what Aston Villa could afford at the time. And what Norwich were willing to sell for.”

Smith admits it could be a bittersweet return for him, with some home fans planning to display a banner to show their appreciation to the boyhood Villa fan.

“If we got relegated I don't think it would matter whether it be at Villa Park at Anfield, Old Trafford. It would still hurt,” he said. “We can't control anything else that goes on around the grounds at other places. We can control our performance, and that's what I want the players to do.

“If there's a banner going up, I'm humbled. Everybody knows my upbringing in being a Villa fan. I got an unbelievable amount of mail from Villa fans when I left the football club, and texts, and they continue.

"A bit like Daniel (Farke), we both left but it was never our choice.

"That happens in football, and we know the industry we're in. I did a good job there. Daniel did a very good job as well here, and sometimes that is what happens, and it is about what you do next.

“There's always something a bit extra special when you're going back to one of your former clubs. It'd be great to go and get three points as well, for sure.

"I had some great memories of being there as a boy supporting the club, but also managing the club and getting promoted. Getting to a cup final, a record winning run. I'm looking forward to it. I’ve had to move on but I hope I get a good reception.”