Colombian striker Jhon Duran has joined Portuguese club Benfica on a season-long loan from Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr. The deal includes an option for Benfica to make the transfer permanent for 30 million euros (£25.5 million) at the end of the 2026-27 season.
Duran expressed his enthusiasm for the move, stating, "I am happy! I continue to say that it is the biggest club in Portugal. I am very grateful to be here. I have very high expectations of being here. I want to play well, give my all and become champion."
The 22-year-old forward's career has been marked by frequent transfers. He began his professional career with Colombian side Envigado in 2019 before moving to MLS team Chicago Fire in 2022. In January 2023, Duran joined Aston Villa for £14 million, where he became a fan favorite and scored a notable goal against Bayern Munich in the Champions League. His time at Villa concluded when he was sold to Al-Nassr for £71 million in January 2025.
Despite scoring eight goals in 13 appearances for Al-Nassr, his stay was brief. He was loaned to Fenerbahce, but his stint was cut short when manager Jose Mourinho was sacked shortly after Duran's debut. The loan was subsequently cancelled in February 2026, allowing him to join Zenit Saint Petersburg. After scoring three goals in nine games for the Russian club, Duran now moves to Benfica, marking his seventh club and his seventh country of play.