Lisbon has become the latest stop in Jhon Durán’s remarkably fast-moving European career, with the Colombian forward now at Benfica on loan from Al-Nassr until the end of the 2026/27 season.
At 22, Durán has travelled from the MLS to England, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Russia and Portugal. The route has brought major fees and high expectations, but also fresh questions after comments from former Fenerbahçe teammate Fred about the striker’s approach during their time under José Mourinho.
Quick facts
- Durán joined Aston Villa from Chicago Fire in January 2023.
- Al-Nassr paid €77 million for him in January 2025 after he had scored 12 goals by the close of 2024.
- Since leaving Villa, he has represented Al-Nassr, Fenerbahçe, Zenit and Benfica.
- His Benfica spell is a loan from Al-Nassr running through 2026/27.
- Fred says Durán spoke openly about money while they were Fenerbahçe teammates.
Villa Park was where Durán first established himself on the wider European stage. After arriving from Chicago in January 2023, he developed into one of Colombia’s most prominent young attacking prospects, ending 2024 with 12 goals before Al-Nassr made their €77 million move the following January.
The Saudi transfer was meant to mark another rise, yet Durán’s subsequent path has been unusually unsettled. Fenerbahçe followed, then Zenit, before Benfica took him on loan for the current chapter in Portugal.
Fred, the Brazilian midfielder who shared a dressing room with Durán at Fenerbahçe, recalled exchanges which he said took place when teammates urged the Colombian to attend training. “I’m already rich, I don’t need to run,” Fred said Durán would reply, before heading to the medical room.
Fred also described a conversation before Durán’s move to Zenit. When told that he would earn more in Russia, the forward’s reported response was: “The more, the better.”
The Brazilian went further when discussing the terms Durán received after leaving Aston Villa for Al-Nassr, calling the deal “surreal” and joking that the player had already “bought all of Colombia”.
Those remarks place renewed attention on a player whose talent remains clear but whose recent club itinerary has been relentless. Benfica now offer Durán another chance to settle, turn promise into continuity and make the most of time still firmly on his side.
