Breaking: Al Nassr Completes Signing of Aston Villa Striker Jhon Duran
In a major transfer move, Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr has finalized the signing of Aston Villa’s talented striker Jhon Duran. The deal, which had been in negotiations for several weeks, has now been officially completed, with Duran set to join the Saudi club immediately.
A Rising Talent Secures a Big Move
Jhon Duran, a 20-year-old Colombian forward, joined Aston Villa in January 2023 from MLS side Chicago Fire. Since then, he has shown glimpses of his immense potential in the Premier League, drawing attention from top clubs across Europe and beyond. Despite playing a backup role for much of his time at Villa Park, Duran has impressed with his physicality, technical ability, and finishing skills, making him a sought-after player in the transfer market.
Al Nassr, home to global superstars such as Cristiano Ronaldo, has been actively strengthening its squad as part of Saudi Arabia’s ambitious football expansion project. The club identified Duran as a key target to bolster their attacking options and has now successfully secured his services.
Transfer Details and Contract Terms
While the exact transfer fee has not been disclosed, reports suggest that Al Nassr paid a substantial sum to acquire Duran, with figures estimated to be in the region of £35-40 million. The young striker has signed a long-term contract with the Saudi club, reportedly committing to a four-year deal that will keep him at Al Nassr until 2029.
Duran’s move to Saudi Arabia is expected to come with a significant salary increase compared to his wages at Aston Villa, further highlighting the financial pull of the Saudi Pro League. His signing aligns with Al Nassr’s vision of recruiting top talents who can make an immediate impact while also planning for the future.
Aston Villa’s Perspective
For Aston Villa, parting ways with Duran represents a strategic decision. While he was highly rated at the club, Villa’s current attacking setup, led by Ollie Watkins, meant that Duran struggled for regular game time. The substantial transfer fee received from Al Nassr provides Villa with additional funds to reinvest in other areas of their squad as they continue to push for European qualification.
Villa manager Unai Emery had previously expressed admiration for Duran’s abilities but acknowledged that the player wanted more first-team opportunities, which Al Nassr is expected to provide.
What’s Next for Duran?
Duran’s move to Al Nassr marks a new chapter in his career. Playing alongside world-class players like Cristiano Ronaldo will give him the opportunity to develop further while competing in a league that is rapidly growing in stature. Fans will now wait to see how he adapts to Saudi football and whether he can become a key figur
e in Al Nassr’s attack.
