Jhon Duran joins Al Nassr for £64m, second largest Saudi transfer

Colombian striker Jhon Duran has officially transferred from Aston Villa to Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr for a reported fee of approximately €77 million, making it the second-largest transfer fee in Aston Villa's history. Duran, who scored 12 goals in all competitions for Villa this season, including a memorable winner against Bayern Munich, will join superstars Cristiano Ronaldo and Sadio Mane at Al-Nassr. Despite his impressive performance, Duran struggled to secure regular starting positions, making only seven league starts during his time at Villa. The transfer is seen as a significant financial boost for the club, potentially paving the way for other moves, including a loan bid for Manchester United's Marcus Rashford. Villa manager Unai Emery expressed optimism about the financial implications of Duran's departure, highlighting its benefits for the club and its players. Duran initially joined Aston Villa from Chicago Fire in January 2023 for £18 million, showcasing his rapid adaptation to European football during his tenure.