New Delhi: Aston Villa’s young star Jhon Duran broke onto the scene at the start of the season with his explosive performances for the side. His form this season doesn’t seem to have gone unnoticed as the 21-year-old is on the verge of completing a big money move to the Saudi Arabian capital, according to reports online on social media. He is set to become the latest big money import to the league as he joins Riyadh-based Al-Nassr.
The 21-year-old Colombian is set to link up with Cristiano Ronaldo after the Riyadh-based club have struck a deal with Aston Villa to secure his services for a reported fee of €77 million. The Midlands club were holding out for a huge sum for their young prodigy and were looking for €80 million package to sanction Duran’s sale and the final fee for the forward is expected to match that number with the inclusion of various add-ons.
Duran’s transfer to Al-Nassr marks a significant shift in his career, moving from the Premier League to one of the fastest-growing football leagues in the world. The former Chicago Fire forward had been linked with top European clubs, including Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea and West Ham. However, Al-Nassr moved swiftly to finalize the transfer, beating all other suitors to his signature.
🚨🟡🔵 Jhon Durán to Al Nassr, here we go! Story from earlier tonight confirmed as documents are being prepared.
Aston Villa to receive €77m fixed fee plus add-ons, long term deal accepted by Durán.
Medical booked tomorrow and then he will travel to Saudi right after ✈️🇸🇦 pic.twitter.com/m3SN6ots84
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 29, 2025
For much of the January transfer window, Aston Villa maintained that Duran would not be sold mid-season. However, the Saudi club’s lucrative offer proved too tempting to refuse. The young striker has already agreed to personal terms and is expected to undergo a medical on Thursday before officially joining Al-Nassr’s ranks. The prospect of playing alongside a superstar like Cristiano Ronaldo was probably too big of an opportunity for him to turn down.
Al-Nassr have been on the lookout for reinforcements to boost their attack as they push for the Saudi Pro League title in the second half of the season. The departure of Brazilian star Anderson Talisca to Fenerbahce opened up a foreign player slot in their squad, allowing them to make a marquee signing. Duran will now be part of a star-studded lineup that includes the likes of Ronaldo, Marcelo Brozovic, Sadio Mane, and Aymeric Laporte.
Jhon Duran in, Victor Boniface out?
🚨🔴⚫️ Victor Boniface and Al Nassr, deal OFF.
Nigerian striker won’t join the club, deal was advanced… but never done as Al Nassr never gave final green light. pic.twitter.com/rAyDoryssf
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 29, 2025
Duran’s arrival at Al-Nassr has had a direct impact on Bayer Leverkusen’s Nigerian forward Victor Boniface. The Saudi club had initially pursued Boniface as their primary target, with negotiations reaching an advanced stage. A delegation from Al-Nassr had even traveled to Germany to finalize terms, and reports suggested that Boniface had undergone a medical in anticipation of the transfer.
However, in a dramatic turn of events, Al-Nassr opted to sign Duran instead, leaving Boniface’s move to Saudi Arabia dead in the water. The 24-year-old Nigerian striker, who had been excused from Bayer Leverkusen’s training sessions during negotiations, must now refocus on his Bundesliga career. Boniface had a stellar debut season at Leverkusen, scoring 21 goals and providing 10 assists in 34 appearances as the club secured a historic Bundesliga and German Cup double.
His current campaign has been marred by injuries, restricting him to just 15 appearances so far, in which he has netted eight goals. With Al-Nassr withdrawing their interest, Boniface remains at Leverkusen, where he will now work on regaining his form and helping the team defend their Bundesliga title. While the sudden collapse of his transfer to Al-Nassr may be disappointing, staying at Bayer Leverkusen keeps him in one of Europe’s most competitive leagues. If he can recover from his injury setbacks and maintain his form, bigger European clubs may still come calling in the future.
Aston Villa’s young prodigy, Jhon Duran, is seemingly set to link up with Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo in the Middle East as he is set to become the latest big money import to the Saudi Pro League. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
