Unai Emery sentenced Jhon Jader Durán’s future at Aston Villa: this is what the Spanish coach said

Jhon Jáder Durán did not receive permission from Aston Villa to play in the U-20 World Cup with the Colombian national team – credit AFP

Jhon Jáder Durán will remain part of Aston Villa under the direction of manager Unai Emery, who has cleared up rumours about a possible departure of the Colombian player during this summer transfer window.

Despite interest from several Premier League and Italian clubs, including proposals from Chelsea, West Ham, Bologna and Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal, Emery has said Duran has a future with the Birmingham side.

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Unai Emery gave the vote of confidence to Jhon Jader Durán – credit Rui Vieira/AP Photo

In statements collected by the British media Birmingham MailEmery was clear in ruling out any possibility of an immediate transfer: “The striker still has a future at the club, despite the pressure to leave this summer”the Spaniard said.

Durán has been considered a valuable element for Emery’s strategy, who decided to bet on the youth and potential of the Colombian striker. In addition, it has been pointed out that Durán’s intention is to continue in Europe to establish himself in European football and continue developing professionally in highly competitive leagues.

The offers submitted, including a high-profile £30m proposal from West Ham, fell through as Aston Villa valued the striker at at least £40m. This difference in financial expectations has been a key factor in the talks falling through.

The Iberian strategist not only valued Durán’s talent, but also underlined his commitment to helping the player adapt to European football and the demanding Premier League: “He comes after playing in the final with Colombia against Argentina and he has great potential… I have always been close to him, helping him adapt to Europe and the Premier League.”. Emery was referring to the player’s recent participation in the final of the Copa América in the United States, where the Tricolor lost to Argentina.

In his last season with Aston Villa, Duran scored eight goals – credit Reuters

For now, Durán will join the preseason with the Villa team, since his continuity has been confirmed after the decision of the coaching staff and the board. Aston Villa’s preparation sessions continue in full, and the next friendly match will be against Borussia Dortmund on August 10. This is part of the preparations for the team’s debut in the Premier League, scheduled for August 17 at 11:30 am (Colombian time) against West Ham.

Emery and Aston Villa’s decision on Duran also reflects a long-term strategy. The Spanish coach assured that, “Now he is coming back and I will work with him again like last year, trying to progressively improve his potential; he does well being demanding”.

These statements and decisions underline the importance of Durán within the structure of the Villa team, indicating that there is full confidence in his abilities and in what he can contribute to the squad in the next season.

Jhon Jáder Durán’s continuity at Aston Villa is presented not only as a victory for the English club in retaining a coveted player, but also as an opportunity for Durán himself to continue proving his worth in one of the most demanding championships in the world.

The Colombian striker’s permanence at Aston Villa is also interpreted as support for his future growth under the guidance of a strategist like Emery, whose experience and track record in Europe are seen as enabling elements to get the best out of emerging talents like Durán. In this regard, the coverage that local and specialised media are doing of this evolution is a sign of the interest that the young striker arouses outside and within the English sporting world.