In the world of transfers, few sagas spark as much intrigue as the battle for a rising <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/premier-league/">Premier League</a> star whose talents have captured the attention of European heavyweights such as Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain. However, despite this interest, he seems destined to join <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/cristiano-ronaldo">Cristiano Ronaldo</a> at Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League. The player in question? Aston Villa’s prodigious forward,&nbsp;Jhon Duran.



<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/jhon-duran/">Duran</a>, a 21-year-old Colombian striker, has enjoyed a meteoric rise since joining Aston Villa from MLS side Chicago Fire in January 2023 for a reported €16 million. Under Unai Emery’s guidance, he has flourished, scoring&nbsp;12 goals in 28 appearances&nbsp;this season despite limited playing time, amassing just 1,019 minutes on the pitch.



Such performances have not gone unnoticed. Real Madrid and <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/psg/">PSG</a> are both eager to secure his signature, viewing him as a long-term solution for their attacking needs. According to French outlet Foot Mercato, PSG’s head coach, Luis Enrique, sees Duran as a potential upgrade to an attack that has struggled with consistency. Meanwhile, the report adds that <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/real-madrid/">Real Madrid</a> is also reportedly considering a bold move to sign Duran while offering Brazilian prospect Endrick on loan to make room for the Colombian striker.



Amid the interest from these European giants, the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/al-nassr/">Saudi Pro League’s Al-Nassr</a> has entered the fray. The Riyadh-based club, already home to stars like Cristiano Ronald, Neymar, and Karim Benzema, sees the Colombian as a key piece to enhance their squad. Reports from Foot Mercato suggest that&nbsp;Ronaldo himself has advocated for the move, emphasizing the need for top-tier talent to maintain Al-Nassr’s competitiveness.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20250125_WST_550620_jhon-duran-ronaldo-al-nassr-1200x675_44bf0304.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="jhon duran ronaldo al-nassr" class="wp-image-550626" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/01/25184411/jhon-duran-ronaldo-al-nassr-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/01/25184411/jhon-duran-ronaldo-al-nassr-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/01/25184411/jhon-duran-ronaldo-al-nassr-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/01/25184411/jhon-duran-ronaldo-al-nassr-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/01/25184411/jhon-duran-ronaldo-al-nassr-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/01/25184411/jhon-duran-ronaldo-al-nassr-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/01/25184411/jhon-duran-ronaldo-al-nassr-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/01/25184411/jhon-duran-ronaldo-al-nassr.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



Al-Nassr is reportedly prepared to meet <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/Aston-Villa/">Aston Villa</a>’s hefty valuation, which is believed to exceed €95 million, The Telegraph adds. While the Englishmen have already turned down a €67 million bid from West Ham, the Saudi club is ready to present a record-breaking offer. However, with their foreign player quota already full, they may need to make roster adjustments to accommodate the 21-year-old.



<h2>Sell or keep: Aston Villa’s dilemma</h2>



For Aston Villa, the decision to part ways with Duran is fraught with challenges. The Colombian forward is contracted to the club until 2030, and his sale would represent a significant financial windfall. However, his departure could leave a void in their attack, especially given his growing influence this season.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20250125_WST_550620_Jhon-Duran-valuation-1200x675_8271eb8d.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="Jhon Duran valuation" class="wp-image-534037" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/10/Jhon-Duran-valuation-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/10/Jhon-Duran-valuation-300x169.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/10/Jhon-Duran-valuation-768x432.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/10/Jhon-Duran-valuation-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/10/Jhon-Duran-valuation.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



Unai Emery’s reliance on Duran has increased as the campaign has progressed. Despite competing for a starting role with Ollie Watkins, the young ace has consistently delivered when called upon, making his potential exit a tough pill to swallow for Villa fans.



<h2>Why Duran might choose Al-Nassr</h2>



While the allure of playing for European giants like Real Madrid or PSG is undeniable, Al-Nassr’s offer comes with unique advantages. The prospect of teaming up with Cristiano Ronaldo could be a career-defining opportunity for the young striker. Moreover, the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/saudi-pro-league/">Saudi Pro League</a>’s growing ambition, financial power, and global profile could position Duran as one of its marquee players.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20250125_WST_550620_ronaldo-al-nassr-1200x675_5acf25ce.webp&amp;width=650&amp;height=365" alt="ronaldo al-nassr" class="wp-image-550289" width="650" height="365" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/01/22174229/ronaldo-al-nassr-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/01/22174229/ronaldo-al-nassr-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/01/22174229/ronaldo-al-nassr-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/01/22174229/ronaldo-al-nassr-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/01/22174229/ronaldo-al-nassr-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/01/22174229/ronaldo-al-nassr-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/01/22174229/ronaldo-al-nassr-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/01/22174229/ronaldo-al-nassr.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 650px) 100vw, 650px"></figure></figure>



Reports also suggest that Duran’s camp is open to a move to the Middle East, with the player himself intrigued by the opportunity to lead Al-Nassr’s attack alongside the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.

Real Madrid and PSG rejected: Premier League star set for Al-Nassr move – Could Cristiano lure him to Saudi Pro League?

Real Madrid and PSG rejected: Premier League star set for Al-Nassr move – Could Cristiano lure him to Saudi Pro League? - World Soccer Talk

destacadas

Chelsea is interested in signing Jhon Duran from fellow <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/premier-league-tv-schedule/">Premier League</a> side <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/aston-villa-tv-schedule/">Aston Villa</a>. The Blues are undeniably looking for reinforcements to help their attacking front line. Despite spending over $1 billion on new players since the summer of 2022, the west London club still needs help in the striker department.



After finishing a demoralizing 12th in the standings last season, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/chelsea-tv-schedule/">Chelsea</a> has not exactly fared better during the current campaign. The Blues currently sit ninth in the table at the moment. They were one of the weakest English top-flight clubs last season when it comes to scoring. They managed to score just 38 goals in as many league matches.



<h2>Chelsea must be aware of FFP laws before grabbing Jhon Duran</h2>



While Chelsea’s scoring has improved in the current campaign, they still lack real firepower going forward. Following the awful 2022/23 season, ownership spent significant money on attacking duo Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson. The two stars cost the club around $100 million combined.



Nevertheless, Nkunku has missed most of the 2023/24 season due to various injuries. Jackson, on the other hand, has not exactly impressed while leading the team’s line. The <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/senegal-national-team-tv-schedule/">Senegal</a> international does currently have seven league goals, but he has also missed 12 big chances in league play as well. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="670" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20240125_WST_485495_Duran-Aston-Villa-1200x670_c5d16634.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=670" alt="" class="wp-image-485553" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/01/Duran-Aston-Villa-1200x670.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/01/Duran-Aston-Villa-300x168.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/01/Duran-Aston-Villa-768x429.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/01/Duran-Aston-Villa.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



Center forward Armando Broja has also featured significantly for manager Mauricio Pochettino this season. However, the striker has only grabbed just one goal in 13 total top-flight appearances in the campaign. As a result, Chelsea could look to sell Broja to fund a deal for a new striker.



The move is also in line with the Blues being careful of Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules. Chelsea is currently close to the spending limit and would need to free up some cash to spend this January. Despite his current struggles, Broja would garner interest from other Premier League sides.



<h2>Villa forward’s contract is set to soon expire</h2>



Assuming Chelsea can move Broja, they could very well target the aforementioned Duran. <a href="https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/13056063/jhon-duran-chelsea-interested-in-aston-villa-striker" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sky Sports</a> is claiming that the Blues are interested in signing the striker from Villa before the end of the current transfer window. Chelsea, however, has yet to offer the fellow English side an official bid for Duran.



The 20-year-old Colombian only just arrived in England last January. Villa <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/chicago-fire-teenager-jumps-to-europe-with-aston-villa-20230116-WST-415813.html">splashed out</a> an initial $18 million to sign Duran from the Chicago Fire. The <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/mls-tv-schedule/">Major League Soccer</a> side could also grab an extra $4 million in add-ons as well.



Villa manager Unai Emery utilizes Duran from the bench. The striker has yet to earn a start under the coach during league play so far this season. He has, however, grabbed a place in the manager’s starting XI in other competitions with the club.



Despite currently being an understudy to star striker Ollie Watkins, Duran has impressed Emery during his short time with the club. The manager spoke about the youngster during a recent press conference leading up to an <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/fa-cup-tv-schedule/">FA Cup</a> matchup with Chelsea.



“Jhon Duran is now injured, but I am happy with him,” <a href="https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/13056063/jhon-duran-chelsea-interested-in-aston-villa-striker" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">proclaimed</a> Emery. “The last action against <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/everton-tv-schedule/">Everton</a> he was injured. For the next weeks he is not going to be available.”



Despite Emery’s comments, Duran’s injury is not a serious issue. Yet, it is unclear how Villa would feel if Chelsea offered a significant fee for the striker. According to several <a href="https://www.capology.com/club/aston-villa/salaries/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reports</a>, Duran is not under a lengthy contract at his current club.



PHOTOS: IMAGO.

Chelsea tracking Villa's Jhon Duran in search for new striker

Chelsea may soon turn to Aston Villa center forward Jhon Duran as they look to add more reinforcements up front.

Chicago Fire teenage winger Jhon Duran is on his way to England to join Aston Villa. The 19-year-old thrived in <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/mls-tv-schedule/">Major League Soccer</a> with Chicago. He scored eight goals and provided a further five assists this past season with the Fire. 



Duran joins Aston Villa for an initial fee of $18 million with $4 million coming in add-ons. The <a href="https:\/\/www.avfc.co.uk/news/2023/january/16/aston-villa-reach-jhon-dur-n-agreement/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">$22 million package</a> is a massive profit for Chicago. The MLS side originally acquired the Colombian for just over $1 million at the beginning of 2022. Duran came over from Envigado FC in the top flight of Colombia. 



Aston Villa is getting a player that made all his appearances as a central striker. It provides competition for Ollie Watkins and Danny Ings. Watkins has been the preferred starter at Villa Park this season, but Ings has had the better output. Watkins has three goals in 18 appearances, while Ings has six goals in the same number of appearances. Also, Watkins does have four assists to Ings zero.



Duran may not have experience of Ings or Watkins, but he is loaded with potential. Towards the end of the season, Duran hit his stride. Although Chicago missed out on the MLS Cup Playoffs, Duran scored five and assisted two in four over the last five games. 



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<h2>Chicago Fire to Aston Villa is latest move from MLS to EPL</h2>



Duran is following a trend of top talent in MLS making a move over to Europe. However, few are as expensive as Duran. 



The most expensive transfer out of MLS was Miguel Almiron from Atlanta to Newcastle. After a disappointing start, Almiron is one of the <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/news/why-newcastle-could-contend-for-the-premier-league-20221229-WST-413496.html">stories of the Premier League season</a>. His nine goals ranks <a href="https:\/\/www.bbc.com/sport/football/premier-league/top-scorers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sixth</a> in this season’s <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/premier-league-tv-schedule/">Premier League</a>.



Then, Duran’s move from Chicago Fire to Aston Villa is level on cost with Alphonso Davies’s move from Vancouver to Bayern Munich. Davies is one of the best fullbacks in the world.



Aston Villa hopes Duran’s move can pay similar dividends to those two transfers.



PHOTO: IMAGO / Icon Sportswire

Chicago Fire teenager John Duran is moving over to Europe for a $22 million package paid by Aston Villa, the third-most ever for MLS talent.

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Real Madrid and PSG rejected: Premier League star set for Al-Nassr move – Could Cristiano lure him to Saudi Pro League?

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Chelsea tracking Villa's Jhon Duran in search for new striker

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Chicago Fire teenager jumps to Europe with Aston Villa