Jhon Duran edges towards last-minute Premier League return as trio of clubs offered deal
Jhon Duran could be about to return to the Premier League before Monday’s 7pm transfer deadline.
The striker has been away from English football since he swapped Aston Villa for Al Nassr in a deal worth around £64million, but he could be about to return in the final hours of the January window.
Duran notched seven Premier League goals in just 20 appearances for Villa in the first half of last season, before he departed in January to go and play alongside the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Sadio Mane.
Several Premier League clubs are desperately trying to add a new striker to their group in the final stages of the window, and Duran’s hat has now been thrown firmly into the ring.
Jhon Duran offered to Premier League trio
Duran’s time with Al Nassr has been short-lived so far, as he was promptly sent out on loan to Fenerbahce last summer, just months into his time in Saudi Arabia.
However, his season-long loan with the Turkish giants could soon be cut short, as the Colombian has been linked with clubs across Europe so far during the winter window, both for potential loans and permanent exits.
A trio of Premier League clubs have now been given the chance to sign the 22-year-old, with the striker having been offered to Tottenham, Crystal Palace and Leeds United by his agents, according to journalist Ekrem Konour.
Thomas Frank’s Tottenham could potentially lose Randal Kolo Muani before Monday’s deadline, while Palace are desperately trying to replace the outgoing Jean-Philippe Mateta.
Leeds are fighting bravely against the drop, and have had another attacking option as one of their main priorities since the start of the window.
It is currently unclear whether any potential deal is likely to be a permanent acquisition, or an agreement in place of Duran’s current loan deal.
Duran’s record in the Premier League
Duran’s sale was hguely lucrative for Aston Villa when it was finalised, and it was a reflection of the quality that he had shown in the months before his departure.
The 22-year-old endured a slow start in the Premier League after his arrival from the MLS in 2022, as he managed just five league goals in his first full campaign in 2023-24.
However, he quickly caught fire last season and had already hit 12 goals across all competitions by the time he headed for the Middle East.
Many of those were hugely impressive finishes, and the youngster quickly gained a reputation for being a scorer of great goals, often fierce strikes from well outside the penalty area.
Villa fans were left frustrated by the manner of his departure, but it is hard to argue against the fact that he showed huge promise during his time in the Midlands.
His career may have faltered a little since he left Villa Park, but he would be an interesting option for all three of the sides who have been handed the opportunity to bring him in.