John Durán says “calma” at one point during his official presentation at Al Nassr, calling for calm and relaxation as someone stitches the yellow jersey of the Saudi giant for him. In the video, Durán indeed appears relaxed—and why wouldn’t he be? A comfortable future is essentially the driving force behind the decision made by the young man from the impoverished streets of Medellín.From England to Saudi Arabia: Welcome to AlNassr, John Durán! 🏟️🔥 pic.twitter.com/V1ltVU6sdk— AlNassr FC (@AlNassrFC_EN) January 31, 2025 A few months ago, Durán was seen as one of the most sought-after prospects in Europe, with clubs going crazy for him. However, he ended up moving to an entirely different market, effectively removing himself from the radar of Europe’s biggest clubs. The 21-year-old Colombian will earn around 20 euros million in Riyadh. He may never find out what kind of player he could have been in the European scene, and Champions League fans, as well as followers of Europe’s top leagues, will be deprived of that experience. But Durán’s choice is entirely legitimate—he prioritized money and the financial security of dozens of families over a career in Europe’s biggest clubs. He signed a five-and-a-half-year contract until the summer of 2030. Aston Villa received 77 million from the transfer, with 8.5 million of that going to his former club, Chicago Fire, due to previously agreed-upon clauses.Saudis play with people’s lives! Boniface-Ronaldo duo is off the tableDurán may never lift the iconic Champions League trophy, but he seems incredibly happy about his move and the substantial earnings that come with it. His body language in the video suggests he is the most relaxed footballer in the world, having solved many of life’s problems at just 21—far earlier than any of his more well-known compatriots, such as Radamel Falcao, James Rodríguez, Jackson Martínez, Carlos Bacca, and Duván Zapata. None of them ever earned such massive wages at any point in their careers.PSG run after DuranDurán has now become Aston Villa’s second-biggest outgoing transfer in history, behind only Jack Grealish, who moved to Manchester City for 117.5 million. He is expected to make his debut for his new club on February 7 against Al Feiha. Al Nassr now boasts an impressive squad of foreign players, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Sadio Mané, John Durán, Aymeric Laporte, Mohamed Simakan, Marcelo Brozović, and Otávio. The Saudi league has completed 18 of its scheduled 30 rounds, with Al Nassr sitting third in the standings, eight points behind league leaders Al Hilal.ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE – MATCHDAY 24Saturday 15.30: (2.40) Nott.Forest (3.40) Brighton (2.95)18.00: (4.80) Bournemouth (4.30) Liverpool (1.70)18.00: (1.80) Everton (3.60) Leicester (5.10)18.00: (2.00) Ipswich (3.60) Southampton (4.10)18.00: (1.67) Newcastle (3.80) Fulham (5.30)20.30: (3.45) Wolverhampton (3.50) Aston Villa (2.20)Sunday 17.00: (2.20) Brentford (3.70) Tottenham (3.35)17.00: (2.10) Man.Utd. (3.50) Crystal Palace (3.80)19.30: (2.10) Arsenal (3.50) Man.City (3.80)Monday 23.00: (1.40) Chelsea (4.80) West Ham (7.75)***odds are subject to change***
