Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran is on the verge of completing a high-profile move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr, with a medical scheduled for Thursday in London. The £64.5 million transfer deal marks a significant moment in Villa’s summer business and could have ripple effects on the club’s transfer strategy.
Al-Nassr Secure Jhon Duran in Major Transfer Coup
Jhon Duran, the Colombian international, has emerged as a key transfer target for Al-Nassr, the club spearheaded by Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo. Reports from Opitab Global Media Football last week suggested that the Saudi side was in advanced negotiations for the young striker, and now, an agreement has been reached between the two clubs.
Jhon Duran’s medical in London on Thursday signals the final step before his official unveiling by Al-Nassr. Personal terms have already been agreed upon, making the transition a matter of formalities. The move comes as Al-Nassr seeks to bolster its attacking options, with the club currently sitting fourth in the Saudi Pro League. With the Saudi league continuing to attract top-tier talent, Duran’s arrival further strengthens its reputation as a rising global football powerhouse.
Al-Nassr Drops Boniface Pursuit Amid Jhon Duran Move
Jhon Duran’s imminent transfer to Al-Nassr is expected to have a ripple effect on the club’s recruitment strategy, particularly concerning Bayer Leverkusen’s Victor Boniface. Ornstein reports that Al-Nassr will end their pursuit of the Nigerian forward once Duran’s signing is finalized.
Boniface had been linked with a move to the Saudi club during the January transfer window, with reports suggesting an Al-Nassr bid exceeding €50 million. However, Leverkusen head coach Xabi Alonso recently confirmed that the striker was in discussions regarding a potential exit. With Duran now poised to join, Al-Nassr appears to have shifted its focus, leaving Boniface’s future at Leverkusen uncertain.
Aston Villa’s Transfer Strategy and Potential Replacements
Aston Villa’s decision to offload Jhon Duran is largely financial, with the club eyeing reinforcements in both attack and defense. The funds generated from the £64.5m sale will be crucial in pursuing Wolves forward Matheus Cunha, a player Villa manager Unai Emery is keen to bring in as part of his attacking reshuffle.
In addition to bolstering the frontline, Villa is also looking to reinforce its defensive options. Chelsea’s Axel Disasi, Villarreal’s Juan Foyth, and Lens’ Kevin Danso have been identified as potential targets. With European football on the horizon, Emery is keen to build a squad capable of competing on multiple fronts, and Duran’s departure provides much-needed financial flexibility.
Limited First-Team Opportunities and the Watkins Effect
Despite his talent and potential, Duran has struggled to secure consistent first-team starts under Emery. The Colombian forward has often played second fiddle to England international Ollie Watkins, who remains Villa’s preferred choice as the lone striker.
With Arsenal making a bold £60m bid for Watkins, which Villa swiftly rejected, Jhon Duran’s departure effectively ensures that the club will not entertain further offers for their star striker. Watkins, who turns 30 in December, is unlikely to see a significant increase in market value in the coming years. Thus, Villa sees Duran as the more expendable asset in this transfer window.
Arsenal’s Pursuit of Ollie Watkins Hits a Dead End
Arsenal’s attempts to sign Ollie Watkins have been met with firm resistance from Aston Villa. The Gunners, under the leadership of Mikel Arteta, view Watkins as a key addition to their attacking lineup. However, Villa has made it clear that the striker is not for sale this summer.
Villa officials were reportedly angered by Arsenal’s bid, believing it undervalued Watkins’ importance to the squad. While an improved offer from Arsenal is anticipated, Duran’s imminent move to Al-Nassr has effectively shut the door on any potential transfer for Watkins. As a result, Arteta may have to shift his focus to alternative striking options before the transfer window closes.
With Duran’s move set to be finalized, Aston Villa’s summer transfer business is expected to accelerate, with new arrivals likely before the deadline. Meanwhile, Al-Nassr continues its aggressive recruitment strategy, strengthening its squad in pursuit of domestic and continental success.
Jhon Duran’s Rise and New Chapter in Saudi Arabia
Jhon Duran has shown promise since joining Aston Villa from Major League Soccer’s Chicago Fire in January 2023 for a fee of up to £17.75 million. Despite starting only seven matches this season, he has managed 12 goals in 29 appearances across all competitions, showcasing his attacking potential.
At Al-Nassr, Duran will join a star-studded squad featuring football icons like Cristiano Ronaldo, Sadio Mané, Aymeric Laporte, and Marcelo Brozović. The club is currently managed by Stefano Pioli, who previously led AC Milan to the Serie A title in 2022. The move represents a major step in Duran’s career, providing him with an opportunity to develop alongside some of the biggest names in world football.
