Colombian forward Jhon Duran has joined Portuguese club Benfica on a season-long loan from Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr, with an option to make the move permanent for a reported fee of £25.5 million. The 22-year-old, who signed for Al-Nassr in 2025 for £64 million after leaving English Premier League club Aston Villa, will spend the 2026-27 campaign at Benfica.

Benfica has paid an initial £5.2 million for the loan arrangement and secured the option to purchase Duran outright at the end of the season. During his time at Al-Nassr, Duran was teammates with Cristiano Ronaldo, who also competes in the Saudi Professional League.

Reflecting on the transfer, Duran expressed optimism about joining one of Portugal’s leading clubs. “I’m happy! I still say that it’s the biggest club in Portugal. I have very high expectations for my time here. I want to play well, give it my all and become a champion,” he said.

The move represents a return to European football for the Colombian striker after a high-profile transfer to the Middle East the previous year. Benfica’s acquisition of Duran fits within their strategy to strengthen their attacking options as they aim to compete for domestic and continental honors during the upcoming season.