Golden Winter Deal Ends in a Turkish Loan
Back in January, Riyadh was buzzing: Al-Nassr snapped up 21-year-old John Durán from Aston Villa for a hefty €77 million plus €13 million in add-ons. At that moment only Neymar had cost more in the Saudi Pro League. The plan seemed clear: a young forward, already acclimated to European football, would form a lethal partnership with Cristiano Ronaldo in the title race. Yet just half a season later the Colombian is packing for Istanbul—on loan until the summer of 2026 with his full salary guaranteed.
Why 12 Goals Couldn’t Shake the “Flop” Label
On paper the numbers look solid: eight goals in 13 league matches and four more in five AFC Champions League outings. But the eye test often contradicted the stats: Durán joined duels reluctantly, rarely made depth runs and sprinted only when he felt like it. Earning about €392 thousand per week (his contract runs until 2030), motivation blurred quickly—more than eight million landed in his account within five months.
Devin Özek’s Mission: A Flight to Colombia for the Signature
The turning point came when Fenerbahçe sporting director Devin Özek flew to Medellín. After hours of talks he returned to Istanbul with the new signing. The Turkish club agreed to cover Durán’s entire wage bill—an essential condition for the striker to leave such a lucrative address. An extra bonus for the “Canaries” is a purchase option should the Colombian fit José Mourinho’s plans.
Three Key Reasons for the Early Escape From Riyadh
- Personal circumstances. According to Al Riyadiyah, Durán faced everyday issues that affected his mindset and form. British media wrote that living with his girlfriend was impossible without a marriage certificate—Saudi law prevents an unmarried couple from renting a home.
- Desire to return to Europe. Insider Florian Plettenberg claims Durán always viewed Saudi Arabia as a stop-over. Working under Mourinho—even in Turkey—looked a better springboard for development and a future move to a top league.
- Ronaldo’s contract extension. CR7’s new deal through 2027, worth an astronomical €200 million per season plus signing bonuses, allegedly forced Al-Nassr to tighten other expenses. Logically, the cost-cutting started with their most expensive newcomer.
Al-Nassr’s Record Purchase and Aston Villa’s Clever Calculation
In Birmingham the Durán transfer still raises smiles. The sale became the club’s second-largest ever—behind only Jack Grealish’s move to Manchester City. The cash helped Villa stay within Financial Fair Play limits and offload a player who had repeatedly scrubbed club references from his socials while demanding more minutes.
Roller-Coaster Ride: From Early-Season Fireworks to Winter Stagnation
Durán opened last Premier League season with four goals in five rounds, rocketing onto the shortlists of Chelsea and West Ham. Villa wanted at least £40 million, but bidders offered no more than £30. The striker staged another online “protest,” flashing a Hammers fan gesture on a stream. His form dipped, and by December sporting director Monchi’s claim that Durán would soon be “one of the world’s best forwards” sounded ironic. The Saudi offer proved a lifeline for both club and a bench-weary striker stuck behind Ollie Watkins.
What Awaits the Colombian Under The Special One
For Fenerbahçe the deal is a textbook “low risk, high potential reward.” The salary is budgeted, the purchase option keeps control. Mourinho gets a physically strong, mobile centre-forward who can lead the line or operate in a strike duo. Durán must now prove the “most expensive luxury tourist” label isn’t permanent. Succeed, and he not only returns to Europe’s shop window but also justifies his price tag.
Conclusion
In six months Durán moved from transfer sensation to symbol of ill-considered Pro League spending. Now he receives a second chance in Mourinho’s system, where laziness is unforgiven. Whether The Special One can ignite genuine football ambition beneath layers of petrodollars will be the main storyline of the coming season in Turkey.
