Benfica announced on Thursday that it has secured the services of Jhon Duran on a season‑long loan from Saudi Arabian side Al‑Nassr. The Portuguese club will pay a £5.19 million loan fee, with a conditional option to make the transfer permanent for £25.5 million at the conclusion of the 2026‑27 campaign.
Duran, 22, arrives in Lisbon after a whirlwind few years that have seen him represent seven different clubs in as many countries. His professional odyssey began in 2019 with Colombian side Envigado, before a move to Major League Soccer’s Chicago Fire in 2022.
A career built on mobility
A breakthrough at Aston Villa followed in January 2023, when the Colombian forward was acquired for £14 million and quickly became a fan favourite after scoring a dramatic winner against Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League. The goal paved the way for a high‑profile £71 million transfer to Al‑Nassr the following January.
After a brief loan spell at Turkish club Fenerbahce, which was terminated in February 2026, Duran signed for Russian powerhouse Zenit St Petersburg. In nine appearances for Zenit he netted three goals before the Portuguese side moved to bring him to the Estádio da Luz.
Speaking about his new adventure, Duran expressed enthusiasm for the challenge ahead, highlighting his ambition to contribute to Benfica’s attacking options and to test himself in one of Europe’s most storied leagues.
The loan underscores Benfica’s intent to blend youthful dynamism with seasoned experience as they look to reinforce their front line for the upcoming domestic and European fixtures.