Report: Man United could reignite interest in Duran this summer | OneFootball

Jhon Duran Exit Sparks Premier League Interest

Strikers are dominating the early transfer window narrative, and Manchester United find themselves back in familiar territory. With key targets Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko not yet over the line, attention is shifting rapidly—and the sudden availability of Jhon Duran may provide an unexpected solution.

Duran set for European return after Al Nassr stint

Just six months after making the high-profile switch from Aston Villa to Al Nassr in a deal reportedly worth around £64 million, Jhon Duran is expected to leave the Saudi Pro League. According to Fabrizio Romano, the Colombian striker’s time in the Middle East is already drawing to a close, sparking immediate interest from European clubs.

Fenerbahce, now under the management of Jose Mourinho, have emerged as early contenders. Yet Duran’s brief yet impactful spell in English football ensures Premier League sides are watching closely. His name continues to circulate behind the scenes at Old Trafford and the Emirates, particularly as frustrations grow over drawn-out negotiations elsewhere.

United’s long-standing admiration for Duran

Manchester United’s interest in Jhon Duran is far from new. The club extensively scouted him during his time at Chicago Fire, well before Aston Villa secured his signature in January 2023 for approximately £18 million. United’s recruitment plans were, at the time, hampered by financial constraints and Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR), forcing them to back away.

That winter, after spending heavily the previous summer on Antony, Casemiro and Lisandro Martinez, United opted for Wout Weghorst on a short-term loan—an arrangement born more from necessity than ambition. Missing out on Duran then could be seen as a misstep United now have the chance to correct.

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Amorim project needs a forward rethink

While Jhon Duran’s situation unfolds, Manchester United continue to be linked with Sporting CP boss Rúben Amorim as a long-term managerial candidate. His preferred tactical setup requires a mobile, dynamic striker to stretch defences—a profile Duran arguably fits better than some of the club’s current options.

Arsenal and United are both considering alternatives to their primary striker targets, with Sesko leaning towards staying at RB Leipzig and Gyokeres carrying a hefty price tag. In that context, a 20-goal former Premier League forward suddenly available could be too convenient to ignore.

Villa’s stance highlights inevitability of move

Unai Emery was candid about Jhon Duran’s departure from Villa Park. The Spanish manager revealed the decision to sell was driven by the player himself, rather than the club’s desire to cash in.

“It helps a lot but the decision [to leave] was more for him [Duran],” Emery explained.“He decided he preferred to leave. Of course we tried to work with him for two years here, trying to get the best from him, working hard every day with him. Our commitment was high commitment to work and to try to improve and he did it, but at this moment he decided to change his way and at the end we accepted because the deal was good.”

Duran’s goal return—20 goals in 78 appearances—paints the picture of a player ready to thrive again at the highest level. For United and other Premier League suitors, the chance to secure a proven forward with untapped potential may be too tempting to pass up.