Former Aston Villa forward Jhon Duran has completed a season-long loan move to Benfica from Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr, with the Portuguese side securing an option to sign him permanently.
The 22-year-old Colombia international becomes Benfica’s latest attacking addition after a career that has already taken him across several countries. The move marks the seventh club of Duran’s career, following recent loan spells at Fenerbahce and Zenit St. Petersburg.
Benfica will pay a £5.19m (6.1m euros) loan fee for Duran and have the option to make the transfer permanent for £25.5m (30m euros) at the end of the 2026-27 season.
Jhon Duran’s transfer to Benfica begins new chapter
Duran expressed his excitement after completing the move to Portugal, saying he was grateful to join what he described as the biggest club in the country. The striker also revealed his ambition to perform well, help the team, and fight for trophies.
The Colombian began his professional journey with Envigado in 2019 before moving to MLS side Chicago Fire in 2022. His performances there earned him a transfer to Aston Villa in January 2023 for £14m.
At Villa, Duran quickly became a popular figure among supporters thanks to his impact in front of goal and memorable moments during his time at the club.
Al-Nassr striker Jhon Duran leaves Saudi Arabia
A proposed move to West Ham collapsed during the summer of 2024, but Duran later produced a memorable moment for Aston Villa by scoring a famous Champions League winner against Bayern Munich.
Shortly afterwards, he joined Al-Nassr in January 2025 in a deal worth £71m. Despite making a strong start in Saudi Arabia with eight goals in 13 appearances, his stay lasted only half a season.
Duran then moved to Fenerbahce on loan before another change followed when Jose Mourinho was dismissed less than a month after the striker made his debut. The loan agreement was cancelled in February 2026, allowing him to join Zenit St. Petersburg.
Benfica loan deal gives Jhon Duran fresh opportunity
During his spell in Russia, Duran scored three goals in nine matches before making his latest move to Benfica.
The Portuguese club now represents another opportunity for the young forward to find stability after a rapid series of transfers across different leagues.
With Benfica, Duran will aim to settle into his seventh club in a seventh country and continue developing his career at the age of 22.
