Since joining Aston Villa from Chicago Fire, Jhon Duran has transformed from a relatively unknown player in European football to a household name. The 21-year-old Colombian striker has been lauded as a “top finisher” and has earned the trust of manager Unai Emery, excelling both as a starter and as a game-changing substitute.
Spotting a Future Star
Aston Villa deserve credit for identifying Duran’s immense potential. The club’s investment in the young forward has paid off, with Duran quickly cementing his reputation as one of the most promising young strikers in the game.
Reports from TBR Football reveal that Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) expressed interest in signing Duran, even considering a swap deal involving Randal Kolo Muani, who is expected to join Juventus on loan. Despite the attention, Aston Villa rejected a £30 million bid from West Ham earlier this season.
Duran’s Impressive Stats
| Starts | Goals |
|---|---|
| 7 | 12 |
Duran’s statistics this season are remarkable. According to Transfermarkt, he has scored 12 goals across all competitions in just seven starts. His ability to consistently find the back of the net has drawn attention from top clubs and justified the growing interest in his signature.
Shining on the Big Stage
Duran has not only delivered domestically but has also stepped up in high-pressure situations. Three of his 12 goals have come in the Champions League, including decisive strikes against Bayern Munich, Bologna, and RB Leipzig.
Villa’s Stance: £85 Million or No Deal
According to journalist Ben Jacobs, Aston Villa remain firm in their decision to retain Duran during the current transfer window. Jacobs explained to GiveMeSport that any potential sale would only occur if a staggering £85 million offer was made.
“Based on my Aston Villa sources, if they were to consider a sale, it would require an £85 million bid in January,” Jacobs said. He also confirmed PSG’s concrete interest but noted their approach was rebuffed. “PSG enquired about Duran, but Villa made it clear he’s not for sale unless a club matches their asking price.”
Premier League Focus
With Villa currently sitting seventh in the Premier League table (21 matches, 10 wins, 5 draws, and 6 losses), their focus remains on securing a Champions League spot for next season. Duran’s contributions will be pivotal to achieving this goal, making any potential transfer a significant risk to the club’s campaign.
Praise from Luis Diaz
Liverpool star Luis Diaz has been a vocal supporter of Duran’s talent. Reflecting on his experiences with Duran in the Colombian national team, Diaz shared how he immediately recognized the young striker’s potential.
“From the first time I saw him play, I knew he had special qualities,” Diaz said. He believes Duran has all the tools to become a world-class striker. “If he focuses and sets his mind to it, he can make history and become the best in his role.”
Diaz also emphasized Duran’s maturity and willingness to learn, saying, “He’s calm, listens well, and is constantly improving. There’s so much more to come from him.”
Villa’s Reluctance to Sell
Despite the interest from PSG and other clubs, including West Ham, it appears likely that Duran will remain at Villa Park unless a club is willing to pay the £85 million asking price. Losing Duran at this stage of the season would be a massive blow to Aston Villa, especially given his critical role in their Champions League ambitions.
Jhon Duran’s talent, potential, and ability to perform on the biggest stages have cemented his place as one of the most exciting young players in Europe. While the speculation surrounding his future continues, Aston Villa’s determination to keep him suggests they see him as central to their long-term goals. As the season progresses, Duran’s performances will undoubtedly remain under the spotlight, with fans and suitors alike eager to witness his next chapter.