Aston Villa’s excellent form from their Champions League-qualifying 2023/24 season has seamlessly transitioned into the 2024/25 campaign. Under the guidance of Unai Emery, the team has maintained an impressive level of performance, currently sitting in third place in the Premier League with 18 points.
Aston Villa has further showcased their prowess in the Champions League, leading their group in the new-format competition. Alongside Liverpool, Villa stands as one of only two teams to have won all three of their matches, including a remarkable 1-0 victory over German giants Bayern Munich at Villa Park.
Key players have stepped up for Villa this season, but none have been more impactful than Jhon Duran. The Colombian forward has enjoyed a breakout season, significantly boosting his profile and becoming one of Emery’s most trusted goal-scorers.
Duran’s 2024/25 Season So Far Suggest A Breakout Star Emerges
Duran’s rise at Aston Villa has been nothing short of meteoric. At just 20 years old, he has quickly established himself as Villa’s go-to forward. Despite his relatively young age, Duran has a superb scoring record in the early stages of this season. Over his 13 appearances across all competitions, he has managed to find the back of the net seven times, an impressive feat given his limited playing time. Astonishingly, Duran has accumulated only 437 minutes on the pitch, equivalent to approximately 4.4 full matches. This means he scores a goal almost every 63 minutes, highlighting his efficiency and remarkable impact whenever he steps onto the field.
Last season, Duran scored five Premier League goals across a more extended period. In comparison, he has already netted four league goals in just 232 minutes this season. His overall Villa tally now stands at 15 goals in 62 appearances, a record made even more notable considering his cumulative playing time of just 1,666 minutes.
Villa initially signed Duran from MLS club Chicago Fire in January 2023, with the deal totaling £18 million, including add-ons. Since then, his market value has skyrocketed. Colombian news source AS reports that Villa now values Duran at around £75 million. Should Duran leave for a new club, he would potentially become Aston Villa’s most lucrative sale since Jack Grealish’s departure in 2021. This projected valuation reflects Duran’s potential to attract interest from top clubs across Europe.
Jack Grealish’s Move to Manchester City
When Villa fan-favorite Jack Grealish departed in 2021 for Manchester City, the club set a British transfer record, receiving £100 million for the versatile attacker. Grealish, once a key figure at Villa Park and lauded as a “menace” by football analyst Statman Dave, left behind an impressive record. His contributions were instrumental in Villa’s 2018/19 promotion to the Premier League and their subsequent survival campaigns over the next two seasons. Without Grealish’s influence, Villa might not be competing in the Champions League today.
Though Grealish has contributed to City’s recent successes, including their historic treble win in 2022/23, there is debate over whether he has fully justified his £100 million price tag. Since joining City, Grealish has played 135 matches across all competitions, recording 14 goals and 20 assists. While his contributions were invaluable in City’s treble-winning season, critics argue that he has not consistently met the high expectations set by his transfer fee, particularly in terms of personal goal and assist contributions.
In light of his recent form, Grealish’s market valuation has seen a steep decline. Transfermarkt now values the England international at £45 million, a significant drop from his original £100 million worth at the time of his transfer. This figure notably falls £30 million short of Duran’s estimated value, underscoring the contrasting trajectories of the two players’ market worth.
The decision to sell Grealish in 2021 appears increasingly prudent, especially considering Villa’s current position as one of the most formidable teams in both the Premier League and European competitions. The funds from Grealish’s transfer have enabled Villa to strengthen their squad and pursue young talents like Duran, reinforcing the club’s competitiveness domestically and abroad.
Villa’s Reinvestment Strategy in Building a European Contender
Emery and Villa’s recruitment team have effectively leveraged the funds gained from Grealish’s sale to build a well-rounded, competitive squad capable of challenging for titles. The financial windfall from Grealish’s move allowed Villa to make astute signings, bringing in players who have significantly contributed to the club’s resurgence. With a clear focus on young, talented prospects like Duran, Villa has cultivated a squad that can perform at the highest level while maintaining an eye on the future.
As the season progresses, Aston Villa’s position in both the Premier League and Champions League will be closely watched. Emery’s side has already demonstrated their potential to challenge Europe’s elite, and with emerging stars like Duran leading the charge, Villa’s prospects look brighter than ever. The club’s decision to invest strategically rather than splurging on marquee names has paid off, creating a balanced and highly motivated squad ready to make a lasting impact on European football.
Aston Villa’s rise under Unai Emery and the contributions of players like Jhon Duran highlight the club’s transformation. By focusing on long-term investment and player development, Villa is not only challenging the traditional powerhouses in the Premier League but also establishing a reputation on the European stage. With continued success, Duran’s journey could parallel that of Grealish, potentially making him Villa’s next high-profile export, albeit with a legacy that may shine even brighter.