ASTON VILLA have completed the £18million signing of highly-rated young striker Jhon Duran.
The 19-year-old Colombia international joins on a long-term deal from MLS side Chicago Fire.
He will wear the No22 shirt after becoming Unai Emery’s second January signing following Spanish left-back Alex Moreno.
And Villa announced Duran’s arrival in a short-but-sweet statement on Monday afternoon.
It read: “Aston Villa is delighted to confirm Jhon Duran has completed a permanent transfer from Chicago Fire for an undisclosed fee.
“The 19-year-old striker joins Villa having scored eight goals for the MLS side in all competitions during the 2022 season.
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“An exciting young talent, Duran has also represented Colombia at senior level. Welcome, Jhon!”
Duran’s official arrival comes a week after Villa announced they had agreed a deal to sign the teenager.
New boss Emery was on the hunt for a No9 after selling Danny Ings to West Ham.
And Duran could make his debut in Saturday’s home derby against Leicester.
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Villa saw off interest from several of England’s top sides to secure a deal, with SunSport revealing Man United’s interest in October.
We also told you that Liverpool were keeping tabs on Duran, who scored eight goals in 28 games for Chicago.
And big-spenders Chelsea were also looking at him as part of their ambitious youth project under Todd Boehly.
Duran joined Chicago Fire in 2022 after agreeing a move from Colombian side Envigado a year earlier.
He made his senior international debut in September against Guatemala and has gone on to earn a further two caps.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
