Jhon Duran appeared destined for the top after exploding onto the scene at Aston Villa, but former Manchester United midfielder Fred has now offered a remarkable insight into how the striker’s career changed after leaving the Premier League.
Duran scored seven Premier League goals during an impressive start to the 2024/25 campaign before Al-Nassr paid €77million to sign him in January 2025.
However, the Colombian’s career has since taken a dramatically different direction.
Fred makes stunning Duran claim
Fred played alongside Duran during the striker’s loan spell at Fenerbahce and claims the forward’s huge Saudi contract had changed his attitude towards football.
“Jhon Duran didn't give a f*** about anything,” Fred told the Charla Podcast.
Fred recalled encouraging his teammate to work harder in training, only to receive a remarkable response.
“‘Come on Duran, let's train, let's run a bit over there,’ I'd say. ‘Bro, I'm already rich. I don't need to run,’ he'd say.”
According to Fred, Duran would also joke about wanting to make even more money and believed he had already financially secured several generations of his family.
“At Fenerbahçe, at least in the beginning he was showing up for training and stuff, then he completely quit,” Fred added.
Career struggles since Aston Villa exit
Duran's problems began soon after joining Al-Nassr. Reports emerged about difficulties settling in Saudi Arabia, while the club later allowed him to leave temporarily following what was described as personal difficulties affecting his mental state and football.
A loan to Fenerbahce failed to provide a permanent solution. Duran scored infrequently during 21 appearances before his spell was terminated in February.
Another opportunity followed at Zenit St Petersburg, but he managed only two goals in nine appearances and the Russian club declined their €35m purchase option.
Duran is now at Benfica, where he has scored twice in 12 appearances.
It represents a remarkable change for a player who once looked capable of becoming one of the Premier League's most exciting young strikers.
Key Points
- Fred claims Jhon Duran told him: “I’m already rich. I don’t need to run.”
- Al-Nassr paid €77m to sign Duran from Aston Villa in January 2025.
- Fred says Duran's approach to training deteriorated during his time at Fenerbahce.
- Subsequent spells with Fenerbahce and Zenit failed to revive the Colombian's career.
- Duran is currently at Benfica but remains contracted to Al-Nassr until 2030.
What’s Next?
Duran's immediate challenge is to rediscover the form that made him one of Europe's most talked-about young forwards at Aston Villa.
His long-term financial future may be protected by his Al-Nassr contract, but his footballing future looks considerably less certain. At 22, there is still plenty of time to rebuild his career, although Fred's extraordinary account raises serious questions about the striker's motivation to do so.
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