The meteoric rise of Jhon Duran, one of soccer’s most promising young strikers, appears set for another major twist. Just five months after arriving at Saudi Arabian powerhouse Al-Nassr, the 21-year-old Colombian is reportedly closing in on a shock transfer away from the club — and out of Cristiano Ronaldo’s considerable shadow. But beyond his goals and highlight-reel moments, what’s perhaps most astonishing is the staggering amount Duran has already earned during his brief Middle East spell.
Back in January 2025, Duran made headlines after the Saudi Pro League side shelled out £64.5 million ($88.5m) to secure his services from Aston Villa, where he had just begun to emerge as a breakout star under Unai Emery. The move was seen as both bold and unconventional for such a young talent, but the financial incentives were simply too enticing to ignore. However, it seems that Duran’s adventure in the Gulf may now be winding down.
According to multiple reports, including Foot Mercato and transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, Duran has agreed to join Turkish giants Fenerbahce on a season-long loan. Negotiations between the clubs are complete, and now only Duran’s final approval remains. Fenerbahce’s director of soccer Devin Ozek even flew to Colombia in a last push to sway the striker.
This surprise move also marks a dramatic return to European soccer for Duran — one that places him under the stewardship of Jose Mourinho, now managing Fenerbahce. The Istanbul club finished second in the Turkish Super Lig last season and is looking to add firepower after the departure of veteran striker Edin Dzeko.
12 goals, 18 games — and a fortune earned
Though his stay at Al-Nassr may be brief, Duran certainly made an impact. He scored 12 goals in just 18 appearances, showcasing his finishing abilities while forming a high-profile partnership with Cristiano Ronaldo.
But it’s the financial side of his stint in Riyadh that has raised the most eyebrows. As reported by Capology, Duran signed a five-and-a-half-year deal worth £335,000 ($460,000) per week. Over just 21 weeks, that means the Colombian forward has already pocketed more than £7 million ($9.6m) — a staggering sum that dwarfs what he would have earned had he remained at Villa, where he was making £75,000 ($103,000) per week. In that same period, he would’ve made roughly £1.35 million ($1.85m) in England.
Even more remarkably, Fenerbahce are expected to match or exceed this figure for the duration of his loan — a deal that would place Duran among the highest-paid players in European soccer next season.
