Desert Ambitions: Jhon Durán Explains His Sudden Exit from Aston Villa in €77M Al-Nassr Move
—A Ground-Level Look at a High-Profile Departure
Birmingham & Riyadh — May 1, 2025
In one of the most seismic mid-season transfer stories of 2025, Colombian striker Jhon Jáder Durán Palacio, commonly known as Jhon Durán, officially parted ways with Aston Villa and joined Saudi Arabian giants Al-Nassr for a staggering €77 million. The news rocked the Premier League, not just for its financial scale, but for the abrupt nature of the transfer—Durán had just signed a long-term extension with Villa until 2030 only months prior.
Now, three months after his move to Riyadh, Durán has broken his silence in an exclusive sit-down interview with El Tiempo, shedding light on the motivations behind his exit, the personal and professional forces at play, and his hopes for a future that now unfolds under the desert sun.
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“This Was Not a Goodbye. It Was a Graduation.”
The 21-year-old began the interview by acknowledging the emotional complexity of leaving a club that had given him the springboard into top-flight European football.
> “I know a lot of fans were shocked. I was shocked too—it wasn’t something I planned at the start of the season. But sometimes, opportunities come disguised as hard decisions. Leaving Villa was never about dissatisfaction. It was about growth, about understanding timing, and knowing when your mission changes.”
Durán, who joined Aston Villa from Chicago Fire in January 2023, quickly turned heads in the Premier League. Despite being a rotational forward at first, his 2024 campaign was electric: 12 goals in 29 appearances, including vital strikes against Chelsea, Newcastle, and Tottenham. His raw pace, imposing strength, and fearless finishing made him a cult figure at Villa Park.
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The Saudi Shockwave
Durán admitted that the first contact from Al-Nassr caught him off guard.
> “It started with a call to my agent after our match against Liverpool in December. Al-Nassr had been tracking me since the summer. At first, I didn’t take it seriously—Saudi football wasn’t on my radar. But then came the offer. And then came the call from [Cristiano] Ronaldo.”
Yes, Cristiano Ronaldo, the icon and captain of Al-Nassr, personally reached out.
> “Cristiano told me, ‘This league is rising. Don’t look at it like a retirement league. Come be part of something that’s growing. Leave your mark early.’ That meant something coming from a legend. He didn’t pressure me—he inspired me.”
According to reports, Durán’s move was finalized within 48 hours after Aston Villa gave the green light, needing to offload players to comply with Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR). Though it was a blow to Villa fans, the club walked away with a record fee, and Durán departed with gratitude.
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“Villa Made Me. I’ll Never Forget That.”
Despite the swift nature of the move, Durán was effusive in his praise for Villa.
> “Aston Villa made me believe I could play with the best. Unai Emery trusted me when I was still adapting to the pace. The fans showed love even when I wasn’t starting. Birmingham became home for me.”
He went on to name Douglas Luiz, Ollie Watkins, and Emiliano Martínez as key locker room influences.
> “I learned so much from Ollie—how to time runs, how to stay cool under pressure. From Emi [Martínez], I learned professionalism. That man is a warrior. And Douglas… he was like a big brother.”
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Family, Faith & Financial Legacy
Durán also pointed to his background growing up in Medellín, Colombia, where football was his escape from poverty.
> “I come from very little. A contract like this changes everything—not just for me, but for my family, my future kids, even my community. I’m building schools back home. This was never just about goals. It’s about legacy.”
The €77 million fee reportedly came with a €300,000 weekly wage, plus bonuses for goals, assists, and appearances in continental competitions. Al-Nassr also provided housing, security, and family relocation support.
> “Yes, the money is life-changing. But the responsibility is even bigger. They’re trusting me to lead, not just score.”
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Life in Riyadh: Adjustment & Ambition
Adjusting to Saudi Arabia wasn’t instant, but Durán says he’s finding rhythm both on and off the pitch.
> “It’s a different world. The heat, the culture, the language—it’s all new. But football is football. And here, they treat you like a king if you work like a soldier.”
He also praised the tactical structure of the team under coach Luis Castro, and revealed that playing alongside Sadio Mané, Aymeric Laporte, and Cristiano Ronaldo has pushed him to new heights.
> “It’s like being in a Champions League team, just in Asia. The intensity, the competition—it’s real. People who doubt Saudi football are sleeping on what’s coming.”
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Looking Ahead: Colombia, Club World Cup & More
As the interview wrapped, Durán reflected on his goals for the next five years.
> “I want to lift trophies with Al-Nassr. I want to help Colombia qualify for the 2026 World Cup and go deep. And one day, maybe, I return to Europe—stronger, wiser, and better. But for now, I’m all in on this journey.”
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A Love Letter to the Villa Faithful
He left one last message for the fans at Villa Park:
> “To the Claret and Blue Army—thank you. You sang my name, you gave me love. I’ll carry that forever. This isn’t goodbye. It’s see you later. Keep your eyes on me. The kid you cheered is still climbing.”
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Jhon Durán’s departure may have left a void at Villa, but his story is far from over. If anything, it’s entering a new chapter—one where ambition, loyalty, and strategy collide under the lights of Riyadh.
