Jhon Duran Closes in on Fenerbahce Move After Saudi Stint Sours

Jhon Duran looks set for a quick exit from Al-Nassr, just six months after arriving in Saudi Arabia in a stunning £70 million move from Aston Villa. Despite hitting the ground running with 12 goals in 18 games and sharing a dressing room with his idol Cristiano Ronaldo, the 21-year-old Colombian striker is now closing in on a season-long loan switch to Fenerbahce.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Duran is nearing a move to Turkey where he’d link up with Jose Mourinho, who is keen to make him a focal point in Fenerbahce’s squad overhaul. Mourinho sees the young striker as a crucial addition, and the feeling is mutual — Duran is eager to return to Europe and reignite his career in a more competitive setting. While life in Saudi Arabia offered the chance to play with Ronaldo, Duran’s time at Al-Nassr hasn’t been without its issues. Reports have surfaced of behind-the-scenes tensions, both at the club and with the Colombian national team, and those frictions appear to have fast-tracked his desire to move on. 

BREAKING: Jhon Durán to Fenerbahçe, here we go! Agreement in place between all parties involved.

Al Nassr let Durán leave on initial loan with full salary covered until June 2026.

Durán has accepted Fener proposal after director Devin Özek travelled to Colombia. pic.twitter.com/jhvhsWkXoA

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 30, 2025

Duran’s transfer to Al-Nassr back in January stunned many. Not only was it one of the biggest winter deals of 2025, but it also saw Aston Villa earn a hefty profit — having signed him for just £17.75 million from Colorado Rapids in 2023. During his time with Villa, he bagged 20 goals in 78 appearances, including a memorable Champions League winner against Bayern Munich. 

A return to the Premier League was also discussed, with clubs monitoring his situation. However, such a move would’ve come with a hefty price — quite literally. His current £320,000-a-week deal in Saudi Arabia is tax-free, but only if he completes at least two years of his contract. Leaving early for England would trigger a massive tax bill, making any return far more complicated than it seemed. Liverpool legend Jordan Henderson faced a similar dilemma when he made the switch from Saudi Arabia to Ajax. 

With all things considered, Fenerbahce now look the clear frontrunners to land the Colombian. Mourinho’s direct involvement in the negotiations has been a key factor, and the move could be finalized soon. Meanwhile, Al-Nassr are preparing for a busy summer of changes. The club, which had hoped to build something big around Ronaldo, is now reassessing its plans after falling short of expectations. Duran’s exit may be just the beginning of a major shake-up in Riyadh.