Former Chelsea target Jhon Duran is reportedly set to end his ill-fated spell at Al-Nassr, less than seven months after joining the Saudi Pro League side.
The 21-year-old Colombian international joined the Middle East outfit from Aston Villa earlier this year in a deal worth in excess of £60 million.
But just months after becoming the most expensive player in Al-Nassr’s history, Duran is reportedly set for a return to Europe with Turkish outfit Fenerbahce.
Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano claims that it is “definitely over” between Duran and Al Nassr and that Fenerbahce, managed by Jose Mourinho, are closing in on a loan deal for the forward.
For Duran, his impending transfer to the Turkish Super Lig is quite the decline from where he has found himself in the last two transfer windows, when he was linked with a move to Chelsea.
Last year, football.london reported how the Blues were upping their efforts to sign the forward at the end of the 2023/24 season, with Stamford Bridge officials in contact with the player’s representatives over a potential move to west London.
And judging by comments made by the 21-year-old earlier that year, where he admitted he grew up “dreaming” of playing for a club like Chelsea, it seemed like a move to Stamford Bridge would suit all parties.
“I am not aware of interest from AC Milan or Chelsea. They are giant clubs and it would be a pleasure, but I have no knowledge of anything,” he told Win Sports TV.
“He then continued: “As a child, you dream of playing there [Milan or Chelsea].”
But a move to Stamford Bridge never materialised for Duran as he left Villa in January to sign for Al-Nassr.
Now, he will hope he is able to kick-start his career under a Chelsea icon, Mourinho, in Turkey.
As for Chelsea, they now have Liam Delap in their ranks competing with Nicolas Jackson, but rumours persist linking the club with another forward.
Victor Osimhen continues to be linked with a surprise switch to the Blues.
Sign up to our Chelsea WhatsApp service and get all the latest breaking news and in-depth stories from football.london’s dedicated Chelsea writers direct to your phone.
By signing up to this free service you will be the first to know the news from Stamford Bridge as it happens.
To join our Chelsea community, all you have to do is click this link to join and you’re in!
