Transfer: Aston Villa Striker Jhon Duran Joins Al Nassr in Record-Breaking Deal

Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran has completed a £64 million move to Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr, marking the second-largest transfer fee in Villa's history.

Aston Villa has confirmed the departure of Colombian striker Jhon Duran to Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr in a deal reportedly worth £64 million. The 21-year-old Duran struggled to establish himself as a regular starter for Villa, despite making a series of impressive appearances off the bench.

Aston Villa can confirm that Jhon Durán has joined Al Nassr for an undisclosed fee.

Everyone at Aston Villa would like to wish Jhon all the best in the next step of his professional career. pic.twitter.com/du26gbKUav

— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) January 31, 2025

Duran's time at Villa was marked by some notable highlights, including scoring the winning goal in the team's memorable Champions League victory over Bayern Munich earlier this season. In total, he scored 12 goals for Villa this term. The club acknowledged his departure in a statement, wishing him well in his future endeavors.

The transfer marks a significant windfall for Villa, with the £64 million fee representing the second-largest transfer sum the club has received, behind only the £100 million paid by Manchester City for Jack Grealish. Duran originally joined Villa from Chicago Fire in January 2023 for £18 million and went on to score 20 goals in 78 appearances, although he made only seven league starts.

🟡🔵🛫 Jhon Durán, flying now to Saudi Arabia with his agent Jonathan Herrera after move to Al Nassr completed on Friday. pic.twitter.com/oPcaAyp8Zq

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 1, 2025

At Al Nassr, Duran will join a star-studded attack featuring Cristiano Ronaldo and Sadio Mane. The transfer was completed on the Saudi transfer deadline day. Meanwhile, Duran's departure from Villa is likely to have implications for the club's other strikers, with England international Ollie Watkins now almost certain to stay at the club, despite reported interest from Arsenal. Villa boss Unai Emery revealed earlier on Friday that Watkins had expressed his desire to remain with the club.