Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran is reportedly on the verge of completing a significant transfer to Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr, according to multiple sources that have confirmed details to BBC Sport. This unexpected move has generated considerable buzz in the football community, particularly as a substantial fee has been agreed upon between the two clubs. Duran, who recently found himself on the bench during Villa’s impressive 4-2 victory over Celtic, is undergoing a medical examination on Thursday, a crucial step that could finalize his transfer.
The figures surrounding this deal are noteworthy, with reports suggesting a price tag of £65 million for the promising 21-year-old Colombian striker, although this amount has yet to be independently verified by BBC Sport. A senior source from the Saudi Pro League has indicated that if Duran’s medical assessment goes smoothly, he will be on a flight to Saudi Arabia this coming Saturday. Such a move signals a pivotal moment in the player’s burgeoning career, as he bids farewell to staff and teammates at Villa Park, a place he has called home since joining from Chicago Fire.
This transfer saga has unfolded rapidly over the past week, coinciding with a Saudi delegation stationed in London to negotiate the deal. Aston Villa has not publicly commented on the situation, but it is evident that discussions have progressed swiftly, reflecting the club’s strategic approach to player transactions.
Villa’s manager, Unai Emery, was questioned after the match on Wednesday regarding the futures of both Duran and fellow striker Ollie Watkins, especially in light of a rejected bid from Arsenal for the latter. When asked about Duran, Emery acknowledged the complexities of player desires and club ambitions, stating, “If he is leaving it’s because he wants to. I told you last week I wanted him here. We are different people, different objectives.” His comments highlight the delicate balance between retaining talent and accommodating the aspirations of players seeking new challenges.
Emery further emphasized Villa’s intention to maintain their competitive structure in the market, noting, “Our objective here is to keep our structure because we want to keep the level high.” He indicated that the club may need to make strategic decisions regarding player sales but hinted at the potential positives of Duran’s departure, suggesting that a successful transfer could result in significant financial benefits for the club.
Duran’s journey to Aston Villa began in January 2023 when he joined from Chicago Fire for £18 million. His expected departure represents a dramatic increase in value, with reports indicating that the final deal could exceed £64.4 million when accounting for various add-ons. Al-Nassr, currently positioned fourth in the Saudi Pro League table, may view this acquisition as a crucial step in enhancing their squad.
The striker has recently been at the center of controversy, with earlier reports indicating that he had agreed to personal terms with West Ham before the current developments. At one point, Duran even sparked discussions during a live social media video by crossing his arms to mimic West Ham’s Irons logo.
In addition to this tumultuous transfer period, it’s worth noting that earlier this month, West Ham submitted a £57 million bid for Duran, which was promptly rejected by Villa. Throughout the current season, Duran has made a remarkable impact, scoring 12 goals in 29 appearances across all competitions. However, despite his strong performances, manager Unai Emery has opted to prioritize England’s Ollie Watkins as the team’s first-choice striker.
Duran’s promising start to the campaign, including being the decisive scorer in three Premier League matches when coming off the bench, underscores his potential and talent. In October, he solidified his commitment to the club by signing a contract extension that would keep him at Villa Park until 2030, making the prospect of his departure even more significant for fans and teammates alike. As this transfer saga unfolds, football enthusiasts will undoubtedly be watching closely to see how Duran’s career trajectory continues to develop in the coming days.
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