Jhon Durán - signed

[Dave]

Aston Villa can confirm that an agreement has been reached with Chicago Fire for the permanent transfer of 19-year-old striker, Jhon Durán.

[Footy-Vill]

Aston Villa can confirm that an agreement has been reached with Chicago Fire for the permanent transfer of 19-year-old striker, Jhon Durán.

Heres some info on what type of player he is

https://www.whoscored.com/Articles/PEJ-23cIrkOFhS_d1DIUog/Show/Who-is-Jhon-Duran-The-Colombian-hotshot-on-Chelsea-and-Liverpools-radar

[Legion]

I hope his reflexes are good.

[Goldenballs]

Never heard of him.

[boozey182]

We have reaches an agreement with Chicago Fire for 19 year-old Columbian striker Jhon Durán. 8 goals and 3 assists in the MLS this season. 6 foot tall and with 'pace to burn'.

Never seen him play before, but welcome Jhon!

[Legion]

Never heard of him.

Same.

[boozey182]

Looks like I was too slow, feel free to merge with the other thread!

[Legion]

Another Samatta?

[PeterWithe]

I read it was just a loan, is there something I should know?

[Footy-Vill]

Never heard of him.

Same.

I put up some info for all from whoscored so we can get an insight to him

The Fire signed the young forward from Colombian outfit Envigado in January 2021, with his contract in Chicago starting 12 months' later. While not a regular starter under Ezra Hendrickson in the 2022 season, Duran didn't allow a lack of consistent time on the pitch to impact his performances as he ended the campaign with eight goals to his name, only two players aged 21 and under - Jesus Ferreira (18) and Gabriel Pereira (9) - could better that return. A goal every 170.4 minutes was actually better than household MLS names Kei Kamara and Carlos Vela in the regular season.

[KevinGage]

Interesting one.

Benfica, Yanited and Bayern were also keen, apparently.

Not sure if he's one for the development squad or one who will be coming straight in as a first team option.

[Footy-Vill]

I read it was just a loan, is there something I should know?

Interesting one.

Benfica, Yanited and Bayern were also keen, apparently.

Not sure if he's one for the development squad or one who will be coming straight in as a first team option.

Whoscored.com
Considering the Fire often lined up with the lone frontman in 2022, Duran more than held his own when it came to leading the charge and bringing others into play, noted in that he has developed a statistically calculated WhoScored style of play of 'likes to do flick ons'. Opponents have also clearly taken to any means necessary to limit Duran's impact in the final third, as noted in that of the 395 players to make 20 or more appearances, he was fouled 3.2 times per 90, the seventh highest in MLS.

Conversely, opponents also know how to wind Duran up with 2.6 fouls per 90 the seventh most in the 2022 MLS campaign, and to reinforce a weakness of 'discipline', the striker did receive five yellow cards and one red last season, so any area that is in need of improvement, but one that will in time and with experience.

For a poor Chicago Fire side that did score just 39 league goals last term, Duran's exploits in front of goal warrant adulation, and links with a high profile Premier League move despite his age isn't a surprise. Duran's career is very much in its infancy, however he has shown plenty of promise with the Fire that suggests he has all the makings of a top quality forward, be it in the Premier League or elsewhere.

[Footy-Vill]

I hope his reflexes are good.

Main concern seems to be his *weakness of discipline but seemingly has all the attributes to be a Premier League striker.
Emery can certainly develop him.
* I imagine I'll be told its a Colombian character to be so hot in temperament

[Drummond]

I read it was just a loan, is there something I should know?

Perhaps he's one of the wild boys so we're testing the water with a loan?

[chrisw1]

There seems to be a real lack of out and out strikers in the market and the established ones that do sell go for big money - look at the Darwin and Isak fees.

I think realistically we won't be replacing Watkins or Ings this window, probably not in the summer either.

It makes a lot of sense to take a few gambles on promising youngsters like this.  I know nothing about him, but in principal I'm pleased with the deal.