There is a decade long trend in the American football championship (MLS): world’s best players are coming there at the end of their careers, to earn their lays paycheck without sweating much (heck, even Messi announced he would like to play in the USA). But, lately, European clubs have a number of scouts “digging” talents from the MLS day and night, trying to lure them across the ocean, and that trend is also visible. Aston Villa can confirm that an agreement has been reached with Chicago Fire for the permanent transfer of 19-year-old striker, Jhon Durán.— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) January 16, 2023 Aston Villa believe they have found a striker good enough to play in the strongest European league, a teenager from whom they could get a lot immediately, and even more in the long run. And one day, they believe they can cash him good. That is why the club from Birmingham set aside 18 million euros for Jhon Duran. The Colombian wunderkind’s transfer from Chicago Fire could rise up to 22 million, but 18 million is a fixed part of the deal. Burkinabe Cherry worth $24 millionThe occasional Colombia international, who has the three senior international call ups so far, isn’t the most expensive MLS signing, although Aston Villa did not spare the money. The record holder is still Miguel Almiron. Newcastle paid 24 million euros to Atlanta three years ago, also in the winter transfer window, for Miggie, as then Magpies coach Rafa Benitez was keen to get him. To this day, the Paraguayan is the biggest purchase of European clubs, and with his current form, it seems that it was money well spent for Newcastle. ##NAJAVA_MECA_6945032##If all bonuses from the contract are fulfilled, and Chicago end up with all 22 million euros on their bank account, Jhon Duran’s transfer would be Aston Villa’s second largest during the winter market. Lucas Digne was paid 30 million to Everton last winter, while Sunderland was given 21,500,000 for the freedom of Darren Bent back in 2011. At Villa Park they didn’t make a habit out of spending fabulous sums of money for untested players during the season. An agreement has been reached with the Chicago Fire, and Jhon Duran is about to undergo medical examinations and receive a work visa. Only then will the contract be valid.
