Jhon Duran has finalized a loan move to Benfica, opting for the Portuguese club over other options that included Champions League football. According to Fabrizio Romano, the Colombian forward will join Benfica from Al Nassr with an option to buy, though this clause is not mandatory.

Duran previously turned down offers from two Champions League clubs, choosing to pursue the project at Benfica and the opportunity to work under manager Marco Silva. His salary will be shared with Al Nassr, and he is expected to undergo a medical this weekend.

The striker’s journey has seen a significant decline; after a brief stint with Aston Villa, he transferred to the Saudi Pro League for over £60 million. However, he has struggled to find his form, even missing out on a spot in his country’s World Cup squad.

This move to Benfica represents a fresh start for Duran, allowing him to return to Western Europe and potentially rebuild his career. While the Portuguese league may not offer the same prestige as the Premier League, it provides Duran with a chance to regain his footing and showcase his goal-scoring abilities again.

In related transfer news, Manchester City is aggressively pursuing Lille’s star teenage midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, while Sunderland looks to replicate last summer's success by targeting standout players from Ligue 1.