Fabrizio Romano has issued an update on Jhon Duran’s future amid transfer links to West Ham.
With Taty Castellanos and Pablo Felipe joining to spearhead the attack and Adama Traore adding to the options out wide, the Hammers appear to have done well to strengthen their ranks in the final third.
However, Duran continues to be linked with West Ham, with him primarily being a summer transfer target.
We all love the club to bits, but let’s be real – what would you have to tell a new signing to convince them to join?! 😔
Several clubs interested in West Ham target Jhon Duran
According to Romano, a number of clubs have shown an interest in signing the Colombia international in the January transfer window.
There have been talks held with a lot of sides over the last 48 hours with Duran keen on leaving Fenerbahce.
He is currently out on loan at Al-Nassr, but he looks all set to leave the Saudi side and return to Europe.
Duran could even terminate his Fenerbahce contract and complete a permanent transfer elsewhere this winter.
If West Ham were to sign Jhon Duran in the summer…
What should be the upper limit in terms of the transfer fee? 🤔
As things stand, Zenit appear to be the favourites to sign the former Aston Villa forward.
The Russian club are in talks with Duran’s agents, and a deal could be agreed if there is no last-gasp hijack from elsewhere.
Romano said: “It’s a possibility, yes, it’s a possibility to see Duran returning to our football (the Premier League) after, obviously, he had this possibility to go first to Saudi and then on loan to Fenerbahce.
“There have been several conversations, I can tell you, especially in the last 48 hours with several clubs interested.
“My understanding is that the most likely solution at this stage is in Russia with Zenit St. Petersburg, because there is a conversation ongoing between Zenit and the agents of Jhon Duran.
“So at the moment, this is the most likely outcome. Let’s see if some club will try to hijack this and make it happen before the end of the window, but my understanding at this stage is still on Zenit being favourites to sign Jhon Duran.”
Alan Shearer and Gary Lineker have said interesting things about Duran
Speaking about Duran on Match of the Day in December 2024, Alan Shearer was impressed with the then Aston Villa attacker.
He was pleased with his strength and how he kept defenders on their toes with how direct his style of play is.
Shearer said: “He’s had an impact. He was a problem all afternoon, he didn’t let the defenders settle all afternoon – and you can say what you want about the defending – but the impressive thing for me is that he never gives it up.
“He makes it really difficult for the defenders. Look at his strength, he’s really direct, keeper comes out and makes his mind up for him. His ability to run with the ball, his strength. He tucks the ball away really, really well, it’s a clever finish.”
Gary Lineker was also impressed with how he was as a starter and not just as an impact substitute.
Usually, Duran made an impact off the bench, finding the back of the net against tired legs, but he also scored in the 2-1 win over Manchester City in December 2024.
Lineker said: ““I think the other thing about Duran is that we often see players don’t we, that come on, make a difference, score goals when they come on as a substitute.
“And then it’s a different thing when they start the game. It’s not quite because it’s harder when you know, if you come on when people are tired in the last half an hour, you get one or two more opportunities to score.
“But starting a game is different when everyone’s fresh. But you thought, right, okay, let’s see what happens when he starts a game. And when he has, he’s delivered.”
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