Duran set for Al-Nassr exit as truth behind Emery negotiations revealed

Jhon Duran could be set to leave Al-Nassr just six months after joining the Saudi Pro League club from Aston Villa in a deal that threatens to shake up the transfer market.

Duran was the marquee signing for Cristiano Ronaldo’s club during January, when they elected to pay Villa €77 million for his services.

The Colombia international has struggled to settle in the country and has been experiencing what Arriyadiyah describes as “difficulties on a personal level, which have affected his mental state and technical stability”.

A loan deal looks the likeliest option for Duran, according to the Saudi source, which indicates that his future is likely to become clearer in the days ahead.

Arsenal and Chelsea were previously interested in the striker and are still in the market for a No.9.

Meanwhile, a return to Villa on a temporary basis is another possibility that will doubtless be mooted for the South American hitman, who has scored 12 in 18 games while in Saudi.

A switch back to the Premier League, however, could be complicated by tax implications on Duran’s gigantic Saudi wage. His contract is reckoned to be worth €50m over two years.

Unai Emery to Al-Nassr?

Al-Nassr, meanwhile, have been linked with a potential approach for Aston Villa manager Unai Emery, who guided the Birmingham club to the Champions League for the first time in 2024/25. Although the Villans missed out this time around following a shock loss to Manchester United, the Spaniard’s stock remains high.

Arriyadiyah confirms that there have been no talks between Emery, who has been in charge at Villa since 2022, and Al-Nassr.

The Premier League side have a degree of insurance behind the future of their manager, who was previously linked with Roma. He is under contract until 2029.

When asked about taking over at the Serie A club, he described the move as “impossible” to TeleRadioStereo.

For the moment, at least, Emery is staying at Aston Villa – but could he lure Jhon Duran back?

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