Jhon Durán's transfer from Aston Villa to Saudi's Al-Nassr for €77 million signifies an ongoing trend where top-tier soccer talents bypass European leagues for lucrative contracts in Saudi Arabia. Unlike previous transfers, like Gabri Veiga's, Durán is a proven talent, making waves in Europe's elite leagues and Champions League. His reputation as perhaps the best U23 striker globally suggests he could have been pursued by major European clubs, only amplifying the impact of this transfer on the soccer landscape.
Friday afternoon saw the official announcement of the latest coup Saudi Arabia has struck against the traditional soccer establishment. Jhon Durán, Aston Villa's impossibly cool backup striker, is headed to Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr, which has acquired the Colombian's services for a reported transfer fee of €77 million.
This one's a lot like the Gabri Veiga transfer, only much, much more significant. Durán, in contrast, has already gotten the big boys' tongues wagging.
He's probably the single best U23 striker prospect in the world. West Ham and Chelsea both came close to signing him last summer, and his star has only risen since then.
Aston Villa didn't hesitate to slap down the £57 million bid West Ham sent for Durán about a week ago, no doubt expecting that in a mere matter of months even bigger clubs...would come offering even bigger money.
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