Jhon Duran Set for Sixth Club at Just 22 Years Old

Duran Set for Zenit Move as Career Takes Another Twist at 22

Jhon Duran is set to sign for Zenit St Petersburg, marking his sixth club at just 22 years old, in a move that underlines the Colombian striker’s unpredictable yet eventful journey through football.

The former Aston Villa forward terminated his loan spell with Fenerbahce and is now eyeing a switch to Russia, seeking a fresh start after short stints in Saudi Arabia and Turkey.

From Villa Hero to Al-Nassr Exit

Duran’s timeline over the past year has been chaotic:

• Jan 2025: Transferred from Villa to Al-Nassr for £71m

• 8 goals in 13 matches in Saudi Arabia

• Struggled to adapt off the pitch; reports said he lived in Bahrain, not Riyadh

• Summer 2025: Loaned to Fenerbahce, but Jose Mourinho’s sacking and injury issues derailed his impact

• Only 3 league goals and limited appearances

Villa Days: Goals, Drama, and Bayern Glory

Duran played alongside Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nassr

Duran became a cult figure at Villa Park with standout moments:

• Winner vs West Ham after failed move

• Thunderbolt goal vs Bayern Munich in Champions League

• Part of Villa’s UCL qualification campaign

• Often linked with dressing-room disharmony and tactical conflicts with Ollie Watkins

Why Zenit?

While Zenit offer a top-tier platform in Russia, the club – like all Russian sides – is banned from European competitions. However, Zenit sits second in the domestic league, and Duran would join a squad drawing large crowds and aiming for domestic dominance.

“Don’t try to please everybody — that ain’t good,”

Duran once posted after his Saudi move, a quote that now defines his free-spirited football path.