The Colombian FA have confirmed that Jhon Duran has travelled to England to complete his transfer to join Aston Villa.
As per the club’s statement on Monday, an agreement had been reached with Chicago Fire to sign Duran on a permanent basis, subject to a medical, agreeing personal terms and work visa requirements.
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The 19-year-old had been in his homeland at the time the announcement was made, as he was preparing for the 2023 South American U20s Championship, and so it was assumed that completion of the move might be delayed until after the tournament concluded.
However, according to the Colombian FA, they have now confirmed that Duran has left the training camp to travel to England to undergo a medical exam and complete documentation to seal his move, as it had been expressed by Villa that they wanted to officially secure the transfer as soon as possible.
It’s added that because the tournament is not played under FIFA’s international window, Villa have the power to make that decision, but the Colombian FA hope that Duran will be able to travel back and return to the group and feature in the competition.
Naturally, it’s hoped that we can now officially announce the signing in the coming days, and it’s perhaps important to keep an amicable relationship with the Colombian FA at this early stage and grant Duran permission to return and lead the line for them in the tournament.
Given the details of the situation provided above, it seems as though Villa needed Duran to travel to England to wrap up these formalities, but it’s unclear if the player himself is keen to head back and play for his country and so that will no doubt factor into any decisions made moving forward.
Villa have signed a top talent in Duran who looks an exciting prospect, but if Unai Emery feels comfortable not having him in the squad in the immediate future, then it seems like a sensible decision to get the deal announced and green light Duran’s travel back to Colombia to play in the U20s tournament. What is clear from the statement above though is that it will be Villa’s decision as to what happens next.