September 2024 saw the international break saturated by discussions surrounding Barclaysman and the lack of spectacular long-range goals. Jhon Duran felt that sting acutely.
As Aston Villa faced off against winless Everton, locked at 2-2, Duran picked up the ball roughly three miles from his opponent’s goal.
From that distance, no threat seemed apparent. Jordan Pickford could have taken a moment to scroll through social media or indulge in a vape.
Then chaos erupted at Villa Park. In a split second, Duran released a shot that could be likened to a heat-seeking missile and it flew straight into the top corner. It’s safe to say that several Villa fans might have experienced a surge of excitement.
“We rarely witness goals like that nowadays,” Jamie Carragher remarked during commentary. “The curvature was exceptional – the goalie was fully extended.”
Emiliano Martinez echoed that sentiment: “I’ve seen it from behind, and that ball was moving like nothing I’ve witnessed before – it was simply unstoppable.”
Weeks later, Duran clinched a crucial victory against Bayern Munich in a high-octane Champions League clash. This young player was clearly on a trajectory to greatness.
“He has the potential to be one of the top strikers in the world, but maintaining humility and putting in the effort are crucial,” Martinez noted.
Yet therein lies the challenge. After departing the Premier League last January for a hefty £64 million, Duran has embarked on whirlwind jaunts through retirement leagues and lucrative contracts.
His stint in the Saudi Pro League lasted just six months—allegedly, Cristiano Ronaldo took issue with his presence—before Duran made the switch from Al-Nassr to Fenerbahce on a season-long loan.
This chapter in Turkey has been anything but stable. Although Duran’s skill has shown itself at times, it’s often overshadowed by some languid performances and signs of immaturity.
One can only imagine the insight Jose Mourinho might have offered if their time together at Fenerbahce had been longer.
With the January transfer window open, both Duran and his agent are casting a wide net for potential moves.
Multiple Premier League clubs have shown interest, intrigued by his talent but wary of the baggage he carries.
It now appears he’s heading to Russia and Zenit St Petersburg. Clearly, he’s not losing any sleep over geopolitical concerns.
Zenit is far from the team that captured the UEFA Cup in 2008, yet they sit just one point behind league leaders Krasnodar in the Russian Premier League.
Observing Duran’s career unfold is disconcerting. At 22, he was once considered among the world’s most promising young strikers. Yet every choice he makes seems to drift further from his potential.
Marking a balance between ambition and impetuosity, Duran was reportedly banned from the national team’s training camp last year due to poor attitude and arrogance.
It raises questions about whether those around him are equally juvenile or genuinely looking out for his best interests.
By the age of 22 to have played in the MLS, Saudi Pro League, Turkey, and Russia speaks volumes. The term ‘mercenary’ might need a new definition.
However, hope is not lost. With Duran’s innate talent, there will always be opportunities available—provided he tempers his tendency to disrupt relationships.
Yet, the likelihood of realizing his full potential is dwindling, as is the chance of witnessing those remarkable goals back in the Premier League.
Life can often feel like mere atoms colliding in chaos, akin to Duran’s erratic career.
