Duran ‘to further regret Aston Villa exit’ as Premier League club turn forward down
Jhon Duran made an incredible impression at Aston Villa, but his impact was never going to last.
The Colombian scored some eye-catching goals during the 2024/25 season, but was always up against Ollie Watkins for a starting berth.
In the end, it was Duran who departed Villa Park for Al-Nassr, leaving the West Midlands club for a reported £65million.
Now, Duran’s short stint in Saudi Arabia appears over, and a Premier League giant have rejected the opportunity to sign him.
Duran wages too high for Premier League club
A return to the Premier League always looks like a possibility for Duran, given the immense quality he showed under Unai Emery.
The Colombian international bagged 12 goals in the first half of the 2024/25 season, but it was the quality of his goals that garnered attention.
| Jhon Duran’s 2024/25 Premier League statistics | Total |
| Appearances (starts) | 20 (4) |
| Goals | 7 |
| Exoected goals (xG) | 4.86 |
| Goal conversion | 23% |
| Touches | 14.8 |
Now, after only half a year in Saudi Arabia, the 21-year-old has been strongly linked with a move out of Al-Nassr.
Duran is expected to sign for Turkish side Fernerbache on loan, where he would be managed by Jose Mourinho.
However, it could have been oh so different if it were not for his astronomical wages in the Gulf State.
That is because Manchester United turned down the chance to sign Duran on loan, according to talkSPORT (1 July).
They state that the striker wanted his full Saudi salary covered, which is believed to be more than £300,000 per week.
The outlet adds that the former Aston Villa man wanted an option to buy included in any loan deal.
Will Duran ever return to the Premier League to face Aston Villa?
There will certainly be teams who would love to bring Duran back to the Premier League, but the forward would have to make a significant sacrifice.
His move to Saudi Arabia is the perfect example of how you limit yourself if the move does not work out.
Of course, Duran has secured a substantial amount of money for himself and his family, and that cannot be underestimated.
However, he clearly wants to leave and is now facing difficulties in securing a move back to England.
While some clubs are willing to pay north of £300,000 per week in the Premier League, there are not many.
Manchester City, United, and Liverpool all pay more than that figure for particular players, although Salah is an anomaly for the Reds.
If he wants to play in the Premier League, he may have to take a pay cut, but in the meantime, he seems to be heading to Turkey.
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