Benfica Secures Jhon Duran on Season-Long Loan
Benfica has completed the signing of Colombian striker Jhon Duran on a season-long loan from Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr. The deal includes a loan fee of £5.19 million (approximately €6.1 million) and an option to make the transfer permanent for £25.5 million (about €30 million) at the end of the 2026‑27 season.
Expressing his enthusiasm, Duran said, “I am happy! I continue to say that it is the biggest club in Portugal. I am very grateful to be here.” He added, “I have very high expectations of being here. I want to play well, give my all and become champion.”
Duran’s professional journey began at Envigado in Colombia before a move to Chicago Fire in MLS in 2022. Aston Villa acquired him for £14 million a year later, where he quickly became a fan favourite and famously scored the winning goal against Bayern Munich in the Champions League. His impressive performances earned him a £71 million transfer to Al‑Nassr in January 2025.
His stint in Saudi Arabia was brief. A loan to Fenerbahçe was cut short after José Mourinho’s dismissal, leading to a temporary move to Zenit St Petersburg in February 2026, where he netted three goals in nine appearances. Now, at just 22 years old, Duran is embarking on his seventh club with Benfica, aiming to make a lasting impact in Portuguese football.
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