Jhon Duran could be on the move just six months after leaving Aston Villa. The Colombia striker joined Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia as part of a huge £65million transfer in January but could be on his way back to England sooner than expected.
Following 12 goals in 29 appearances at Villa in the first half of the season (coming from just seven starts), Duran was the centre of one of the biggest January deals. After remaining second fiddle to Ollie Watkins, Duran swapped the Midlands for the Middle East.
Playing with Cristiano Ronaldo, Duran scored another 12 across the Saudi Pro League and Asian Champions League at his new side. They fell well short of winning the title, though, ending up 13 points behind Al Ittihad and five off Al Hilal in second.
Signed for big money and paid big money, Duran’s transfer represented a controversial decision for a 21-year-old to ditch the prestige of European football for the draw of an ambitious but still developing footballing country. That is in keeping with Duran, though, who has never been one to shy away from the spotlight.
He had initially caused carnage last summer when linked with a move to Chelsea (who showed interest in January 2024 first) only to come even closer to joining West Ham. Duran was seen doing the ‘irons’ gesture, which angered many Villa fans, but ended up remaining.
Within several months his stock had risen rapidly, going from a price tag of £35million to suggestions of over £75million by January. Duran also signed a long-term deal at Villa and shot down speculation of leaving in November.
Arsenal were among the teams linked with making a move for him as they sought to add depth to their attacking department, and Duran essentially laughed off any talk of an exit. “Yes, I think there were rumours,” he said. “As a young man, the head goes to other places.
“But there was always total support from Unai, from Monchi, and above all from Damian [Vidagany, director of football operations]. The three of them are important pillars in this club.
“They have achieved many things in a short time, and they have helped me a lot. They were very valuable to me because they kept me grounded, they told me things as they have to be said.
“I think that helps, in a way, the mind, and they, I don’t know, the start of the season was about my mind. Now it’s different. With experience, we’re going to do big things, and we’re working for that. Thanks to them, we’re here, and I’m happy here.”
Not long after, Duran was holding up a yellow shirt at Al Nassr. He had only just been commenting on a change of heart at Villa. “There are [moments of] love and hate, sometimes,” he said during the contract extension announcement when talking about Unai Emery.
“But no, I feel very grateful to him, very grateful to him and his coaching staff,’ Duran added. We’ve had many problems, but they’re normal, I think.
“The truth is, I’m very happy to be here with him, to share the space with him, to learn from his teachings. He wants to teach me all the time. He’s protective, sometimes.
“Sometimes it happens, and there are sparks! So we’re constantly fighting! But I think it’s normal for a young man of my age, and a person like him who already knows a lot, who has already achieved so many things.
“The truth is, I feel very, very grateful to be in this space, and that he’s a person as great in football as he is. To learn more from him every day, and I’m very happy with him here.
“Yes, sometimes we argue. Because he has his point of view, I have mine, and I’ve never been the one who stays quiet. If I have something to say, no matter who it is, I say it.”
The Duran story has continued to be loud in Saudi Arabia as well. It is something that will make many ask if Arsenal would be right to even think about a possible loan. It is now claimed that he is unhappy and is struggling to settle.
Duran is said to be considering his options due to personal issues which are affecting his mental state. It is also stated that there is interest from clubs across the world in taking him on.
As Arsenal’s search for a new striker goes on – now down to a split between Viktor Gyokeres or Benjamin Sesko – Duran’s availability comes at a crucial point. Andrea Berta and Mikel Arteta must make a call on which No.9 to push forward with as they seek to strengthen the frontline.
Duran has been on the radar before, so could it become a surprise option again? As ever with Duran, you cannot rule it out. He has had to justify his move with goals and also deny a rift in the national team of late. The headlines will follow wherever he goes.
Chaos ensues but so do goals. That was enough for Patrick Vieira to get on board with it in January. “I loved his performance against Bayern Munich,” he said at the time.
“He’s the right player for Arsenal – quick, unselfish, solid in the air, technically skilled, and intelligent in his movement.”
