Jhon Duran: Ex-Aston Villa star closing in on SHOCK return to Europe

Tom Weber

Updated: 27 Jun 2025 17:59 BST
4 min read

Former Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran is in talks to leave Al-Nassr just six months after his €77 million move.

Article continues under the video

The Colombia international was the protagonist of one of the biggest sagas of the January transfer window. Despite scoring prolifically, Duran was not a guaranteed starter at Aston Villa and decided to pursue a transfer away.

Duran was linked with some of the biggest sides in England and Europe, but Aston Villa were reluctant to sell. However, when Saudi giants Al-Nassr came calling and offered a whopping €77m, the Birmingham club, who are struggling to balance the books, caved.

Current ETV

J. Durán

F (C)

Al-Nassr

J. Durán

F (C)

Al-Nassr

ETV Range

€27.5M - €45.8M

Just a few months on from the transfer, however, Duran could be on his way back to European football as he has failed to settle in Saudi Arabia. He scored a very solid 12 goals in 18 appearances for Al-Nassr after his move, but he has found it difficult to come to grips with his new environment.

In recent weeks, there has been increasing talk of a transfer, and Turkish giants Fenerbahce, in particular, are trying everything in their power to sign Duran.

Fenerbahce set for Duran meeting

Last week, reports confirmed that Duran is among the names on Fenerbahce's shortlist of ambitious summer targets, with the Istanbul giants keen to finally break Galatasaray's stranglehold on the Turkish Super Lig.

Galatasaray have been able to attract European superstars in the market, and Fenerbahce are keen to make similarly exciting acquisitions. Duran is one of the top targets for Jose Mourinho.

Sercan Hamzaoglu now reports that Fener officials will hold face-to-face talks with Duran after the striker did not outright reject a contract offer, which would see him earn up to €16 million per season.

Fener are described as 'very determined' and, during these talks, they will try to convey the idea that they are willing to go to great economic lengths to sign Duran. However, the journalist adds that the 21-year-old has also received 'serious offers' from other European sides.

It is clear that a return to Europe is a concrete possibility for the highly-rated striker.

Football transfer news headlines today

DONE DEALS: Every official completed transfer around Europe today

'Arsenal will sign Viktor Gyokeres'

Man Utd schedule Bryan Mbeumo medical as deal announced

Nico Williams: Transfer twist threatens to RUIN summer deal

The FootballTransfers app

Check out FootballTransfers' new app for all of football's big storylines, transfer rumours and exclusive news in one convenient place directly on your mobile device.

The FootballTransfers app is available on Google Play and in the Apple App Store. Download here:

•Google Play

•App Store