As speculation continues to build over Jhon Duran’s future at Aston Villa, it will all ultimately come down to Unai Emery’s judgement on the matter.
Earlier this week, the Telegraph reported on ‘friction’ between the pair amid talk that the Colombian international could leave this month, and the exit rumours have shown no sign of slowing down.
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According to the Daily Mail, Villa are now willing to listen to offers for the 20-year-old, but unsurprisingly much will depend on our ability to sign a replacement to fill that void and provide cover behind Ollie Watkins.
Reports of interest from AC Milan continue to build, albeit it’s still unclear at this stage as to whether it would be a straight loan move for the rest of the season or if it would involve an option to buy, but the indications from various outlets now is that Duran is keen on the move.
Further, as is the way in modern-day football, his social media activity has also gained interest, as it’s suggested online that he has removed Villa from his Instagram bio in the last few days, continuing a trend that we’ve seen already this season which even resulted in Emery answering questions on it from the media.
Duran has contributed four goals and an assist in 21 appearances so far this season, totalling 566 minutes of football.
With a chaotic element to his style of play, he has been an important option off the bench with his energy and ability to offer a different dynamic in the final third in the latter stages of games, and he has made a decisive contribution at times.
However, the gap between what Watkins offers us when leading the line and the influence Duran has is still huge, and that in turn has resulted in his limited role so far this season as with the stakes being so high, Emery evidently doesn’t have that level of trust in the youngster yet to lean more heavily on him in key moments.
When starting in Europe, Duran hasn’t always delivered the level of performance needed either and has been substituted early on occasion, and that has perhaps contributed to his growing level of frustration.
Ultimately, there is a top talent there and this comes down to him wanting to play more, which isn’t a bad thing. That desire and hunger to be more involved is what we want from our depth options.
That said, it has to be channelled in a positive way that doesn’t upset the balance and harmony in the squad, and if that is starting to become a growing concern at a time where we’re really starting to push on and compete at the top level, it needs to be addressed.
If Emery thinks Duran is right for the role and has faith in his ability in the long run, he’ll either stay or be loaned out with the intention of returning a better player in the summer and ready to show his worth.
If the Villa boss is concerned by his attitude and approach and doesn’t feel it’s a right fit, we’ll no doubt make a change this month and do what’s best for the squad and club while making an Emery signing that will probably improve us anyway.
It’s an intriguing debate and eventual decision that will have important consequences for our season and ambitions as we need an effective, consistent and reliable option behind Watkins. Time will tell if that’s Duran’s role or not, and who better than Emery to make that decision.
Lot of talk over Jhon Duran amid reports of 'friction' and 'frustration' w/ Unai Emery. Ultimately sounds like it comes down to him wanting to play more…which isn't a bad thing, but, ideally channels that in a positive way & doesn't upset balance/harmony in the squad. If Emery…
— Talk Villa (@thetalkvilla) January 6, 2024