Ex-Aston Villa forward Jhon Duran is reportedly close to joining Benfica from Al Nassr.
The Colombia international joined Al Nassr from Aston Villa in January 2025 for £64million.
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He has made only 18 appearances for the Saudi club, having been loaned out to two separate clubs.
According to transfer reporter Fabrizio Romano, talks are now taking place over a move to Portuguese giants Benfica.
Duran’s next journey
Within just six months of joining Al Nassr, Duran was loaned to Turkish Super Lig side Fenerbahce after struggling with personal issues which affected both his mental well-being and ability on the pitch.
During his stint with the Istanbul giants, he netted five times in 21 matches.
His spell in Turkey was also disrupted by health setbacks, as he was diagnosed with osteoarthritis and had to go through a 58-day treatment process.
The 22-year-old terminated his loan spell at the club after only six months, to head to Zenit St Petersburg until the end of last season.
He made nine appearances and secured two goals with the 12-time Russian champions.
Should the move to Benfica happen, it would be Duran’s fourth switch since leaving Aston Villa 18 months ago.
Benfica target
Benfica finished third in the Primeira Liga and have not won the domestic league since 2023.
They failed to qualify for the Champions League despite having an invincible campaign under Jose Mourinho, who left to rejoin Real Madrid.
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The 38-time Portuguese champions will hope to bolster their attacking line in preparation for next year, having appointed ex-Fulham manager Marco Silva.
European football journalist Andy Brassell previously summarised the striker’s career trajectory.
Speaking exclusively to eSPORTY, he said: “A lot of his season so far has been stymied by injury, but I guess if you’re a Villa fan, you already know the story.
“When he’s good, he looks better than anyone else. When he’s not good, you’re just left scratching your head, really.
“So, I guess Jhon Duran isn’t in a massively different place than he was when he left Villa in the first place because we’ve seen him impact some big matches in a very positive way.
“His first goal for Fenerbahce was the equaliser in the 95th minute in the Intercontinental derby against Galatasaray. There’s nothing that could make you more popular.
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“We’re talking about Gazza scoring in the Rome derby for Lazio against Roma. That sort of thing.
“That one goal covers a multitude of sins, I suspect, but when Jhon Duran is playing well, he’s so incredibly convincing.”
Duran scored 20 goals in 78 appearances for Villa during his spell in England.
The Colombian will now aim to recreate his best goalscoring form as he prepares to join the seventh club of his senior career.
