Aston Villa make bold Jhon Duran decision following £30m West Ham talks

The Villans are understood to have held several bouts of talks with West Ham over the potential sale of Duran, but the two clubs have been fairly far apart with their valuations.

It was reported by The Athletic on July 25 that West Ham had seen an offer of £30 million plus teenage midfielder Lewis Orford rejected. Villa are said to be holding out for closer to the £40 million mark.

The Hammers have since signed Niklas Fullkrug from Borussia Dortmund for a £27 million fee, as per BBC Sport. It awaits to be seen if Julen Lopetegui’s side are still interested in Duran following the acquisition of Fullkrug.

Villa have been keen to sell Duran this summer, but only for the right price. It’s understood that interest remains from Saudi Arabia but a recent decision from the Villans could imply they are open to keeping the striker instead.

Colombian journalist Pipe Sierra said during a Kick stream on Tuesday night that Villa have given the number nine shirt to Duran ahead of the 2024/25 season. If true, the 20-year-old will take over from Bertrand Traore, who donned the nine jersey last campaign.

Duran, who joined Villa from Chicago Fire in 2023 for £14.75 million, has made it clear he wants to leave Villa Park this summer. The Colombia international has even performed some questionable social media antics, including making an irons-shaped gesture with his hands during an Instagram stream.

The Athletic reported on July 27 that Villa were conducting an investigation into Duran, unimpressed by his alleged actions. Handing the prestigious nine squad number to the player less than a fortnight later would be a rather bold approach, we believe.