Benfica have reached an agreement in principle with Al Nassr to sign Colombian striker Jhon Duran on loan, with the Portuguese giants securing an option to make the move permanent at the end of the season.
The 22-year-old is on the verge of returning to European football just 18 months after leaving Aston Villa in a £64 million move to Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr.
Duran’s spell in Saudi Arabia has failed to go to plan. Despite arriving with high expectations, he made only 18 appearances before being sent out on loan as he struggled to establish himself at the club.
His first temporary move took him to Turkish giants Fenerbahce, where personal issues reportedly affected both his mental wellbeing and performances. He still managed five goals in 21 appearances, but his time in Istanbul was further disrupted after being diagnosed with osteoarthritis, requiring a 58-day rehabilitation programme.
After ending his stay in Turkey early, Duran completed another loan switch, joining Russian side Zenit St Petersburg for the remainder of last season. He featured nine times and scored twice for the Russian champions.
If the Benfica move is completed, it will represent the striker’s fourth club since departing Aston Villa in January 2025.
The Lisbon club are looking to strengthen their attacking options after finishing third in the Primeira Liga last season and missing out on UEFA Champions League qualification. Benfica have since appointed former Fulham boss Marco Silva as head coach as they aim to return to the top of Portuguese football.
European football expert Andy Brassell believes Duran remains one of the game’s most unpredictable talents despite his inconsistent form.
Speaking to talkSPORT, Brassell said injuries had disrupted much of the striker’s campaign but insisted Duran still possesses match-winning ability.
“When he’s good, he looks better than anyone else. When he’s not, you’re left scratching your head,” Brassell said.
He pointed to Duran’s dramatic stoppage-time equaliser against Galatasaray during his spell at Fenerbahce as evidence of his ability to deliver in the biggest moments.
Duran enjoyed flashes of brilliance during his time at Aston Villa, scoring 20 goals in 78 appearances before earning his lucrative move to Saudi Arabia.
A switch to Benfica would offer the Colombia international another opportunity to revive his career and rediscover the form that made him one of Europe’s most sought-after young forwards.
