Henry Winter stunned by Aston Villa star Jhon Duran’s decision to join Al-Nassr | OneFootball

Aston Villa have been one of most active teams in the ongoing winter transfer window.

The Lions have already confirmed the arrivals of Donyell Malen and Andres Garcia, while Diego Carlos and Jaden Philogene have left Villa Park on permanent deals.

Jhon Duran is now inching closer to an exit, with Villa agreeing a £65 million fee with Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr for the Colombian.

Duran will go down as the club’s second highest sale after Jack Grealish left to join Manchester City in 2021 for £100m.

Reputed journalist Henry Winter isn’t impressed with the 21-year-old’s decision to give up the Champions League for the Pro League.

He praises Duran as a top talent, but says his departure is “a shame” and “a sad moment” for his career development.

Winter wrote on his X account: “Sad to see such a talent as Jhon Duran giving up the Champions League for the Saudi Pro League. He’s a good finisher – fine goals against Bayern Munich, Palace, Liverpool, Manchester City, West Ham, Everton, amongst others. It’s his career, his choice so good luck to Duran at Al-Nassr. The money will be fabulous. The football less so. And now’s the wrong time to leave Aston Villa.

“Villa Park is buzzing, the team going places under Unai Emery, progressing in Europe, good squad and camaraderie. He does get games (29 games and 12 goals this season) even if Ollie Watkins is first choice. He’s 21, Watkins 30 later this year. Inevitably a PSR element and Villa received an offer – £65m+ – they couldn’t refuse. Good business by Villa plus it ends the drama occasionally attached to Duran. But it’s still a shame. He gets to play with Ronaldo at Al Nassr, average gate 16,453 (the Holte End alone is 13,000+). A coup for the Saudi Pro League and Duran’s bank manager. A sad moment for his career development. He will have some big games – with Colombia.”

Villa turned down a £57m bid from West Ham United for Duran earlier this month. They were adamant the young striker is not for sale in this transfer window.

However, they changed their stance when Al-Nassr came up with a better offer.

Duran joined the Villans in January 2023 from MLS side Chicago Fire. Despite playing second fiddle to Ollie Watkins, he has scored 20 goals in 78 appearances across all competitions.

With manager Unai Emery featuring a lone striker in his system, Duran would have struggled for regular minutes at Villa if he had stayed.

But he has now decided to join Al-Nassr, where he will get regular football as well as the opportunity to play with Cristiano Ronaldo.