Aston Villa Academy: Jhon Duran signing would block first-team path for Cameron Archer
Aston Villa have reportedly made an offer for 19-year-old forward Jhon Duran ahead of the upcoming January transfer window, according to Italian outlet Calciomercato.
The teenager is attracting a host of interest after an impressive season in the MLS, which saw him score eight goals and register five assists in 27 games.
Villa are among several clubs interested in acquiring the Chicago Fire striker – with Brentford and Fulham each having ‘made a proposal’, while Chelsea and Manchester United are also keeping tabs on Duran.
Now it comes as no surprise that Villa are searching for a clinical striker in January, as Ollie Watkins’ recent struggles have been well reported, but Duran seems a strange choice of personnel as he would directly block Cameron Archer’s path into the first team.
If Emery were to sign the Colombian international, would he be drafted straight into the first team? Is he really a better option than Danny Ings, Watkins, or even Archer? Or would he be resigned to football with the Under-23s?
The latter isn’t likely due to Duran’s burgeoning reputation in the MLS, but I wouldn’t say he has the quality to start in the Premier League on a weekly basis.
Now the only option that remains is the release of Archer to a Championship club on loan and, therefore, the need for a like-for-like replacement.
This would come as a dagger blow for the highly-touted Archer, who has proven himself the shiniest gem to come out of Villa’s blossoming academy in recent years.
After netting seven goals from 20 appearances on loan at Preston North End last season, Archer has struggled for first-team minutes this season – playing just 44 minutes of Premier League football in total. [Transfermarkt]
Now, why Villa are reluctant to give Archer a shot is beyond belief, especially after the dip in the form of Watkins, and this latest transfer rumour will further frustrate fans.
Yes, Duran looks like a great talent and his numbers in the MLS are impressive, but should he be signed if it will block a pathway for a homegrown talent? I’m not so sure.
What Archer’s short-term future at Aston Villa looks like only the club’s hierarchy will know, but supporters will pray he is given the run in the first team he deserves.
In other Aston Villa news, here are three things we learned from Villa’s Boxing Day 3-1 loss to Liverpool.