Aston Villa's young forward Jhon Duran has recently become a point of concern for manager Unai Emery and his coaching staff, as detailed by Football Insider. Despite penning an impressive contract extension that commits him to the club until June 2030, Duran's morale appears to be waning due to his limited role in the squad. This season, he has started just once in 15 matches across both the Premier League and Champions League, and his frustration is palpable.
Duran’s discontent is rooted in his belief that he deserves more regular first-team action, a sentiment he has voiced to Emery, his coaching staff, and his teammates. With Ollie Watkins firmly cemented as Villa's leading striker, attempts to field both players together have yet to yield the anticipated results.
Last month, Aston Villa demonstrated their faith in Duran's potential by offering him a new deal, a significant endorsement reported by Football Insider on October 7. The club's support, however, has not translated into satisfactory contributions on the pitch. Additionally, the forward has faced issues with punctuality and has been described by sources as "a handful" off the pitch since November of last year, which raises further questions about his preparedness to seize opportunities.
Despite these challenges, Duran's statistical contributions are noteworthy. He has made 17 appearances in all competitions this season, scoring eight goals and boasting an impressive goals-per-minute ratio. His ability to deliver in crucial situations was exemplified when he netted a decisive goal against Bayern Munich in the Champions League just moments after being introduced from the bench, underscoring the potential he holds for impactful performances.
However, Duran's temperament was called into question during a recent match against Bologna on October 23. After being substituted, he displayed visible frustration by striking the dugout seat, a reaction that hints at the growing tensions regarding his playing time.
Interest in Duran was evident in the summer transfer window, with clubs such as West Ham and Chelsea reportedly expressing their desire to secure his services. Nevertheless, he opted to remain with Aston Villa as the transfer deadline approached in September. At present, Emery’s side sit ninth in the Premier League standings with 18 points from 33 available, while also holding eighth place in the Champions League with three wins from four matches.
In related developments, former Villa CEO Keith Wyness has commented on the club's potential takeover, following the surfacing of documentation related to the situation. This evolving backdrop adds another layer of intrigue to Duran's circumstances, as the club navigates its dual challenges on and off the pitch. As they strive for progress in the current season, addressing Duran's frustrations may prove crucial for both his development and the team's aspirations.