Averaging a goal every 86 minutes in the league this campaign, the best in the division, 2024/25 has certainly been a breakout season for Aston Villa's young Colombian striker Jhon Duran.
However, having started only four games in total from 19 appearances, the 21-year-old will probably be thinking that he deserves more playing time, especially when considering that he has managed seven goals from only 602 minutes on the pitch.
Villa gaffer Unai Emery has thus been burdened with a tough decision each week as to who to start in the number 9 role, as regular first-choice striker Ollie Watkins has bagged 10 times and provided four assists. Although not quite as prolific as his 19 goals and 13 assists from the previous campaign, this has still convinced the Spanish manager that Watkins is the right selection for the starting lineup.
Yet, with Duran desperate for more playing time to embellish his career, the Villains now face a struggle to keep him at the club. Linked with a move to West Ham in the summer, the Hammers are currently the favourite to tempt the Colombian away from Villa Park.
Current favourites
West Ham – 2/1
Reports in July stated that West Ham had spent a considerable amount of time negotiating a £35 million deal for Duran, but these rumours never bore fruit. Duran subsequently scored against then-manager Julen Lopetegui's side on 17th August, and carried out a celebration likened to an apology, which further escalated speculation that he would switch to the London Stadium.
Duran remained in the Midlands, however, notching 12 goals in 28 appearances in all competitions. With strikers Niclas Fullkrug and Michail Antonio both injured and having managed three goals between them, the Irons' hierarchy and fans will be ruing their missed opportunity.
However, with the January transfer window now in full flow, and neither striker looking near to a return from injury, it looks as though Graham Potter will have to bring in reinforcements if he wants to rescue West Ham's currently catastrophic campaign.
At 2/1, bookies seem fairly certain that Duran will depart for Stratford in search of game time, with West Ham eager for a young marksman to join their ranks. Bettors should back West Ham before any rumours circulate regarding a potential negotiation.
Any Saudi club – 2/1
A rogue destination has recently shot up the ranks as a possible option for Duran and that is for the 21-year-old to move to Saudi Arabia. However, in spite of the current 2/1 odds, we would advise against this as an option for punters.
Duran's career is in the ascendency, having just established himself as a Premier League super sub and as a player capable of scoring incredible goals from distance. A move to the Saudi league has the potential to jeopardise any chance of the Colombian cementing himself as a top European prospect, and he would subsequently cede the opportunity to win any of the continent's most elite silverware.
Do not count this move out, as money is a powerful thing, but having just become one of the most talked about youngsters in European football, it would seem a rash decision given the circumstances.
Man United – 6/1
A real outside option that has emerged for Duran is a transfer to Manchester United. However, this appears unlikely, as the club's striker shortlist was revealed recently in which Liam Delap, Matheus Cunha, Jonathan David and Bryan Mbeumo were mentioned, with no sign of Duran.
With Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee having failed to impress after being signed as young, up-and-coming prospects with a point to prove, it would be very risky for the Red Devils to bank on another identical signing to change their fortunes.
Ruben Amorim has a gargantuan task on his hands as things stand, and the addition of a player who is demanding game time could further unsettle things at Old Trafford. Although Man United are priced at 6/1 to move for the Colombian, West Ham still seems the more probable destination.
Lifelong Ipswich Town supporter who recently graduated from Durham University in French and German. Have developed a passion for European football based on my links abroad and am an avid supporter of Werder Bremen and Auxerre. Joined the MFT team in October 2024 and looking to take my first steps into the world of football journalism.
