Jhon Duran completes £65m move to Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr from Aston Villa as Colombian striker joins Sadio Mane and Co in Saudi Arabia
Jhon Duran has completed his move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr from Aston Villa in a £64.5million deal.
After undergoing a medical on Thursday, the forward has now finalised a switch that will see him link up with Cristiano Ronaldo and Sadio Mane, with the Saudi outfit looking to make up ground in the title race.
A statement on Villa’s official website read: ‘Aston Villa can confirm that Jhon Durán has joined Al-Nassr for an undisclosed fee.
‘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 has been given the No 9 shirt at Al-Nassr, which is the same number he wore for Villa.
Al-Nassr have completed the signing of striker Jhon Duran from Aston Villa for £65million
Duran has been given the No 9 shirt at Al-Nassr, which he also wore at Aston Villa
The striker has made the switch to Al-Nassr after spending two years at Villa Park
Duran scored 12 goals in 29 appearances for Villa this season in all competitions
Duran scored 12 goals from 29 appearances this season in all competitions for Unai Emery’s side.
Despite his impressive form, Duran has found first-team starts hard to come by throughout the campaign, with Emery often preferring Ollie Watkins, who Arsenal saw a bid rejected for this week, as the lone striker in his side.
Duran signed for Villa from Chicago Fire in January 2023 and played 78 times for the club overall, scoring 20 goals.
With Duran having departed, Villa could now turn their attention to Marcus Rashford as they look to bring in the Manchester United forward on loan.
Rashford has been frozen out by United boss Ruben Amorim and a move to Barcelona now appears unlikely.
The knock on effect of losing Duran would be that it all but extinguishes any chance of Watkins also leaving Villa this month.
Arsenal launched a stunning swoop for the Villa striker ahead of next week’s transfer deadline, only to see the bid swiftly rejected.
Gunners boss Mikel Arteta is a long-term admirer of the England international and the club have attempted to sign the 29-year-old.
Duran’s move to Saudi Arabia will see him link up with Cristiano Ronaldo (right) and Sadio Mane
Duran has scored 12 goals in 29 appearances this season and signed a new contract last year
After selling Duran, Villa could now look to bring in Marcus Rashford on loan from Man United
Although they have sold Duran, Villa have no intention of letting Ollie Watkins leave the club
It is understood Arsenal have made an initial offer for Watkins which has been rejected but an improved attempt is expected.
Mail Sport revealed the Gunners’ move for Watkins on Wednesday afternoon and subsequent reports have indicated the offer was worth £60m.
Villa are understood to have been angered by Arsenal’s bid and do not want to sell Watkins.
Al-Nassr are currently third in the Saudi Pro League, eight points behind leaders Al-Hilal and five off Al-Ittihad.
