Aston Villa’s Jhon Duran completes €76.5 million move to Al-Nassr

Colombian forward Jhon Duran has become the latest player from one of Europe’s top leagues to move to Saudi Arabia after joining Al-Nassr from Aston Villa on Friday.

The Colombia international’s move was worth a reported 64 million pounds ($80 million).

Despite playing at the highest level and scoring important goals, Duran was unable to break into Villa’s team on a regular basis.

Jhon Duran celebrates scoring a goal during a Premier League match (Photo by Joe Prior/Visionhaus via Getty Images)

“Aston Villa can confirm that Jhon Duran has joined Al-Nassr for an undisclosed fee,” the Premier League club said in a statement.

“The striker moves to Saudi Arabia having scored 12 goals for Villa this term, including the winner against Bayern Munich in the Champions League.

“Everyone at Aston Villa would like to wish Jhon all the best in the next step of his professional career.”

Duran will link up with Cristiano Ronaldo and Sadio Mane in the Al Nassr attack after completing his move on the Saudi transfer deadline day.

It is the second biggest transfer fee Villa have received behind the £100 million Manchester City paid for Jack Grealish.

Duran joined Villa from Chicago Fire for £18 million in January 2023, scoring 20 goals in 78 appearances, but making just seven league starts.

Aston Villa will now rely on England striker Ollie Watkins who has been the subject of a reported £60 million bid from Arsenal.