Jhon Duran to leave Al-Nassr just six months after making £70m move to link up with Cristiano Ronaldo as Saudi side begin huge summer of change

Al-Nassr shocked the football world when they splashed £70 million in January to sign Duran from Aston Villa, making him one of the biggest winter signings of 2025. The Colombian forward joined with the dream of playing alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and initially impressed with 12 goals in 18 appearances. However, tensions behind the scenes, including reported bust-ups both in Saudi Arabia and on international duty, have paved the way for an early exit.

Duran now appears close to joining Fenerbahce on a season-long loan as per Fabrizio Romano, with Mourinho pushing hard to bring the 21-year-old to Istanbul. The Special One believes the striker could be a key piece of his squad rebuild. Duran, meanwhile, is keen to move on from Saudi Arabia and rediscover his form in a more competitive European environment. A reunion with Premier League clubs had also been floated, but several hurdles stood in the way.

Despite interest from West Ham and late interest from Manchester United, a Premier League return is highly unlikely due to complex tax regulations. Duran’s current £320,000-a-week salary at Al-Nassr is tax-free, a benefit guaranteed only if he remains abroad for two full years. As per The Sun, returning to England now would result in a massive tax bill from the United Kingdom government, potentially costing him millions. That financial risk has now kept English suitors at bay.

Fenerbahce are closing in on the deal, and Mourinho is confident of securing Duran’s services in the coming days. Meanwhile, Al-Nassr are bracing for a summer overhaul, with several changes expected across the squad. Duran’s departure may just be the first of many as the Saudi side recalibrates after falling short of expectations since Ronaldo's arrival.