

Key Takeaways:
- Benfica have signed Jhon Duran on loan from Al Nassr, with an option to make the move permanent
- If specific conditions are fulfilled, the Portuguese club will pay a reported €30 million (£25.5m) transfer fee for Duran
- Duran previously played for Aston Villa, Al Nassr, Fenerbahce, and Zenit St Petersburg before arriving in Lisbon
Transfer Details and Player Background
Benfica have officially confirmed the acquisition of Jhon Duran from Al Nassr on an initial loan arrangement. The deal features a conditional obligation to buy, reportedly set at €30 million (£25.5m), which will be triggered should specific performance conditions be met during the loan spell.
Bem-vindo, Jhon Durán! ✍️
🇨🇴 Bienvenido! pic.twitter.com/yThPi7YvSe
— SL Benfica (@SLBenfica) July 20, 2026
Duran, aged 22, has had a notably diverse early career. Originally rising to fame in Major League Soccer, the Colombian forward subsequently made a high-profile switch to Aston Villa in the Premier League. His journey then continued with a move to Saudi club Al Nassr.
Recent Movements Across Clubs
While contracted to Al Nassr, Duran has experienced a succession of loan moves. He spent the first half of the 2025-26 season at Fenerbahce before moving to Zenit St Petersburg for the latter portion of the campaign. Despite these temporary stints, permanent opportunities were not realised at either club. Benfica’s latest move now offers Duran another chance to establish himself in European football.
Duran’s Ambitions and Official Statement
Expressing his enthusiasm regarding the transfer, the Colombian striker made his first remarks as a Benfica player via the club’s official channel, stating: “I came to the biggest club in Portugal.”
Jhon Duran’s Club Career Timeline
| Season | Club | Nature of Deal |
|---|---|---|
| Early Career | Chicago Fire | Permanent Transfer |
| Subsequent Move | Aston Villa | Permanent Transfer |
| Following Move | Al Nassr | Permanent Transfer |
| 2025-26 (first half) | Fenerbahce | Loan |
| 2025-26 (second half) | Zenit St Petersburg | Loan |
| 2026-27 | Benfica | Loan (with conditional obligation to buy) |




