Jhon Duran has made headlines with his recent transfer to Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr, reportedly securing a lucrative contract valued at approximately £16.7 million per year. This move follows his transfer from Aston Villa, which was finalised for a fee of £64 million. According to *The Mirror*, the 21-year-old forward has decisively chosen his path after a period of uncertainty at Villa Park, where he had attracted interest from West Ham prior to his departure for the Middle East.
Duran's financial package in Saudi Arabia is indeed substantial, with earnings reaching around £1.4 million a month, translating to £320,000 a week. This equates to approximately £46,000 a day and nearly £2,000 an hour, underscoring the significant financial incentives that Al-Nassr has offered to entice him to the Saudi Pro League.
While Duran's salary is impressive, it is dwarfed by that of global superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, who is reported to earn an astonishing £164 million annually, supplemented by an additional £49 million from endorsements and various business ventures. Ronaldo's monumental contract not only positions him as the highest-paid footballer in the world but also highlights his role as an ambassador for Saudi Arabian football, which has seen an influx of elite talent since his arrival in 2023.
Ronaldo's move has sparked a trend, with other renowned players such as Karim Benzema, Neymar, and N'Golo Kanté also making the switch to clubs in Saudi Arabia. Duran will now join an illustrious squad at Al-Nassr, sharing the pitch with footballing icons including Ronaldo, former Liverpool star Sadio Mané, and ex-Inter Milan midfielder Marcelo Brozović.
Duran's journey to Al-Nassr follows a notable stint at Aston Villa, where he transferred from Chicago Fire for an estimated £18 million in 2023. During his time at Villa Park, he made a significant impact, scoring 20 goals in 78 appearances under the guidance of manager Unai Emery.
Emery expressed his disappointment regarding Duran's decision to leave for Al-Nassr, emphasising that he believed the young striker could have further developed his skills by competing against some of Europe's premier teams. "I can be disappointed a little bit. My thoughts always his improvement here can give him the opportunity to play as well. Maybe in Europe with some of the best teams in the world," he remarked.
However, he also acknowledged the rapid advancements in Saudi Arabian football, stating, "But Saudi Arabia, they are improving a lot. They are paying well. They are increasing the level of the league. I accept some players leave for there. Personally, I worked with him, trying to involve him here. I have challenges with the players who are here with us. Hopefully, in two or three days' time we can enjoy two or three more players with us."
This transfer marks a significant chapter in Duran's career as he embarks on a new journey in a rapidly evolving league that is attracting global talent. As he steps onto the pitch alongside some of the game's greatest, the footballing world will be watching closely to see how he adapts to this new challenge.