Jhon Durán has officially joined Al-Nassr from Aston Villa for approximately £64 million, making this transfer one of the key events of the January transfer window.
The Colombian striker, known for his exceptional talent, completed the move to the Saudi Pro League club on February 1, 2025. His transfer marks the culmination of remarkable performances during his time at Villa, where he scored 12 goals across 29 appearances this season.
According to Aston Villa’s official statement, “Aston Villa can confirm Jhon Durán has joined Al-Nassr for an undisclosed fee.” This announcement has garnered significant attention across the football world, particularly as it ties Durán to one of the most renowned clubs, also home to superstar Cristiano Ronaldo.
Reports have revealed the financial specifics of Durán's contract at Al-Nassr. Not only will the transfer fee itself total around £64 million (€77 million), but Durán is also set to earn impressive wages estimated at £16.7 million annually. This breaks down to about £1,900 per hour, which speaks volumes about the financial power now prevalent within the Saudi Pro League. “Duran is set to earn £1,900 per hour as his Al-Nassr wages have been revealed after he completed a €77m move to Al-Nassr,” as reported by Sky Sports.
Durán leaves Villa focused on his burgeoning career amid interest from several top clubs, including Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain, and Barcelona. Villa manager Unai Emery acknowledged the possibility of losing Durán, stating, “If Duran is leaving, it is good news for us because he is leaving because it is good money.” This sentiment reflects both the financial benefits for the club and the strategic reshaping of their roster as they contemplate future signings.
The transfer is particularly noteworthy as it ranks as the second most expensive signing for Al-Nassr, with only Omar Marmoush’s €75 million move to Manchester City earlier this month surpassing it. Given the shift happening within European football, it is significant to see Saudi clubs claiming top transfer fees as they increasingly attract talent.
For Aston Villa, this departure could open doors for other sought-after players. Reports suggest Villa is now considering replacements, with interest reportedly directed toward Chelsea's Joao Felix and Paris Saint-Germain forward Marco Asensio. Villa's president of football operations, Monchi, noted their intent to replace Durán effectively as they pursue strengthening the squad.
Durán initially joined Aston Villa from Chicago Fire for a fee of around £15 million two years ago. Since then, he carved out his place within the Premier League, transitioning not just seamlessly but with growing acclaim. His time with Villa showcased his capabilities, as he became known for his speed and scoring efficiency.
The prospect of Durán joining Al-Nassr not only signifies his personal career move but also reflects the shifting dynamics within professional football at large. The Saudi Pro League has seen tremendous financial investment this season, with the cumulative spending on new players reaching €577 million. This places the league as one of the leading spenders globally, overtaking established competitions like La Liga.
Jhon Durán’s move to Saudi Arabia embodies the convergence of financial prowess and sporting ambition, and it leaves several questions about the future for both the player and Aston Villa. With Al-Nassr securing such high-profile talents, they not only raise their competitive status but also potentially set the stage for Durán to shine alongside established stars.
Looking forward, the transfer outcome for Durán and Al-Nassr has the potential to alter both his career path and the direction of Aston Villa's recruitment strategy. It is expected to be intriguing for supporters tuning to follow the evolution of these clubs and their players as the football season progresses.