Striker Jhon Duran has completed a move from Aston Villa to Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr in a deal that could rise to £71 million.
The Colombian forward will link up with new teammates Cristiano Ronaldo and Sadio Mane in Riyadh.
“Aston Villa can confirm that Jhon Duran has joined Al Nassr,” the club stated. “Everyone at Aston Villa would like to wish Jhon all the best in the next step of his professional career.”
Duran was an unused substitute in Villa’s 4-2 win over Celtic in the Champions League on Wednesday, a result that secured their spot in the competition’s last 16.
The 20-year-old had joined Villa from Chicago Fire for £18 million in January 2023 but has been linked with a move away since last summer, with West Ham reportedly showing long-term interest.
Duran scored 12 goals in 29 games for Villa this season, totaling 20 goals in 78 appearances, though only seven of those were in league starts.
With Duran’s departure, Ollie Watkins is now Villa’s sole main striker. Watkins, however, has been the subject of recent interest from Arsenal, though Villa have made it clear they have no intention of letting him go.
Villa boss Unai Emery addressed the situation, stating on Wednesday: “I don’t want [to sell]. It is good news to have offers from other clubs. We want to keep our sporting objective through the players we have in the squad. Every player can be in the market if it is good for the player and the club. To get this deal we are going to be demanding. Watkins is our striker.”
Aston Villa also signed forward Donyell Malen from Borussia Dortmund during the window, though he is primarily seen as a replacement for Moussa Diaby, who joined Al-Ittihad in the summer.
