Jhon Duran joins Benfica

The Colombian forward's turbulent two-season journey has reached a new destination. According to Fabrizio Romano's "here we go" announcement, Jhon Duran is joining Benfica on loan, with the deal including a non-mandatory buy-option clause. Duran rejected two Champions League clubs, preferring the Benfica project and the chance to play under new head coach Marco Silva. His salary will be shared with Al Nassr, with a medical scheduled for this weekend.

The player's last two seasons have been rather turbulent. Signed by Al Nassr from Aston Villa in January 2025 for €77 million (on wages of £300,000 a week), the 22-year-old Colombian was loaned out to Jose Mourinho's Fenerbahce just six months later after failing to form the dream partnership envisioned with Cristiano Ronaldo, scoring 5 goals in 18 matches in the yellow-and-navy shirt and winning the Super Cup; he was then loaned to Zenit Saint Petersburg in the second half of last season, where he managed just 2 goals in 9 matches.

The picture on Al Nassr's side also explains this departure. According to a report from A Bola, the club's general manager Jose Semedo gave Duran the green light this week to seek a new club and restart his career.

Under contract with Al Nassr until 2030 and having seen his market value drop significantly, the player is expected to arrive in Lisbon in the coming days for a rapid integration into the pre-season squad; Benfica are aiming for the move to provide a strong attacking boost for a demanding season both domestically and in the Champions League group stage.

Source: Fabrizio Romano
Image: Transfermarkt