Jhon Duran Completes £71m Move To Al-Nassr From Aston Villa.
Colombian striker Jhon Duran has completed a move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr from Aston Villa in a deal that could be worth up to £71 million.
The 21-year-old will now join star players Cristiano Ronaldo and Sadio Mané in Riyadh after spending two years at Villa Park.
“Aston Villa can confirm that Jhon Duran has joined Al-Nassr,” the club announced. “Everyone at Aston Villa would like to wish Jhon all the best in the next step of his professional career.”
Duran was an unused substitute in Villa’s 4-2 Champions League victory over Celtic on Wednesday, a result that secured their place in the competition’s last 16.
A Rising Talent
Duran initially joined Aston Villa from MLS side Chicago Fire in January 2023 for £18 million. Since then, he has been linked with a move away, with West Ham among his long-term admirers.
This season, he has netted 12 goals in 29 appearances, taking his overall tally for Villa to 20 goals in 78 matches. However, despite his contributions, he has only started seven league games.
Villa’s Striking Dilemma
Duran’s departure leaves England international Ollie Watkins as Villa’s primary striker. Watkins has been linked with a potential move to Arsenal, but the club remains firm in its stance that he is not for sale.
Manager Unai Emery addressed the speculation on Wednesday, stating:
“I don’t want [to sell]. It is good news to have offers from other clubs. We want to keep our sporting objective through the players we have in the squad.
“Every player can be in the market if it is good for the player and the club. To get this deal, we are going to be demanding. Watkins is our striker.”
Transfer Window Activity
Villa have bolstered their attack with the signing of Donyell Malen from Borussia Dortmund. However, the Dutch forward is primarily seen as a replacement for Moussa Diaby, who departed for Al-Ittihad last summer.
Aston Villa will return to Premier League action on Saturday with a trip to face Wolves.
