Jhon Durán has signed a loan deal with Benfica from Al Nassr, marking the seventh club in his career at the young age of 22.
The loan comes with an initial fee of €6.1 million ($6.9 million), along with an option for Benfica to make the transfer permanent for €30 million ($34.2 million).
The Colombian forward has competed in a variety of leagues, including the English Premier League, the MLS, the Saudi Pro League, the Turkish Süper Lig, and the Russian Premier League. He’ll now take the field in the Portuguese Primeira Liga.
“I still believe it’s the biggest club in Portugal. I’m very thankful to be here. I aim to give my best! I want to work hard and assist the team. I always strive to do my best, but it requires effort. I want to contribute everything I can, just as they can support me,” said Durán in a statement on Benfica’s official site.
“I have high expectations for my time here. I aspire to perform well, give it my all, and achieve championship glory. I want to work diligently to repay all the support the Benfica fans have extended to me through their messages.”
Durán’s professional journey began with Colombian club Envigado in 2019. His impressive performances earned him a transfer to the Chicago Fire in the MLS in 2022. Recently, the Fire announced the signing of Robert Lewandowski.
In 2023, Durán transferred to Aston Villa, where he scored a memorable winning goal against Bayern Munich in a Champions League match in 2024, delighting Villa fans.
Despite becoming a fan favorite at Villa, Durán joined Al Nassr in January 2025, where he played alongside Cristiano Ronaldo.
However, just six months later, Durán moved again to Fenerbahçe, which was managed by José Mourinho at the time, though Mourinho was dismissed less than a month later.
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In February 2026, Durán joined Zenit Saint Petersburg on loan after his Fenerbahçe stint was cut short.
The versatile striker will now play for Marco Silva’s Benfica, who are aiming for the Primeira Liga title after finishing third last season, despite being unbeaten under Mourinho, who has since returned to Real Madrid.
It’s hoped that Durán will find a stable home at Benfica, which has eluded him thus far in his career.