Jhon Duran’s return to European football has been made official.
Turkish giants Fenerbahce, managed by Jose Mourinho, have signed the former Aston Villa striker on a one-year loan from Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr.
The move came just six months after Duran joined the Saudi Pro League outfit.
As part of the deal, Fenerbahce will cover Duran’s full salary, which is believed to be in excess of £300,000-a-week.
The 21-year-old stunned Villa fans when he left midway through a free-scoring season for the Premier League club last term.
Duran scored 12 goals in 29 games in all competitions for Villa before choosing to sign for Al Nassr in a £65million deal in January.
He has managed 12 goals in 18 games since his move to the Middle East, where he admitted he is living ‘in FIFA mode’ by playing alongside Cristiano Ronaldo.
Duran penned a five-year contract with Al Nassr, where he earns £16.7million per year in wages.
With Duran now shifted for the season, it has opened up a spot in Al Nassr’s squad.
Clubs in the Saudi Pro League are limited to eight overseas players over the age of 21.
His departure followed the news Ronaldo has extended his stay in the Middle East.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has signed a new two-year deal worth close to £500million.
It will keep him at the club through to the end of the 2026/27 season, with the Portuguese superstar also gaining an equity stake in the team.
Ronaldo is set to play beyond his 42nd birthday, with his contract including a salary of £178million a year.
Al Nassr will also go into the new campaign with Jorge Jesus in charge.
Jesus, who departed Al Nassr’s rivals Al Hilal on May 3, took over from Stefano Pioli.
Pioli exited Al Nassr on June 2025 and was instantly appointed as Fiorentina’s head coach for a second time.
The Italian won 28 of his 48 matches as manager but was unable to secure the league title.
Al Nassr ended the campaign in third place, 13 points adrift of champions Al Ittihad.
As a result, their wait for a tenth title now stretches to six years dating back to 2019.
Al Nassr were also beaten in the semi-finals of the AFC Champions League by Kawasaki Frontale.
