Liverpool are being urged to target Aston Villa’s Jhon Duran after his standout performance against Manchester City.
Read also: Can Gabriel Jesus Save Arsenal After Bukayo Saka’s Injury Blow
The 21-year-old Colombian striker joined Villa from Chicago Fire in January 2023 for £14.75 million. Initially overshadowed by Ollie Watkins, Duran proved his worth as an impact substitute, scoring key goals, including one against Bayern Munich in the Champions League.
This season, Duran has solidified his place in Villa’s starting lineup, replacing Watkins as the first-choice striker.
He has now scored four goals in his last four matches, including one in Villa’s impressive 2-1 victory over Manchester City. In total, Duran boasts 12 goals in 25 appearances across all competitions.
Given his form, Villa is reportedly preparing for renewed interest in Duran during the January transfer window. The striker attracted attention from Chelsea in the summer and nearly signed for West Ham.
Now, former Liverpool midfielder Didi Hamann believes Liverpool should join the race for his signature.
Speaking to BoyleSports, Hamann dismissed the idea of Liverpool signing Harry Kane, citing Bayern Munich’s reluctance to sell. Instead, he endorsed Duran as an ideal target, praising his physicality and ability to create space for teammates.
“He made a huge impact for Villa against City,” Hamann said. “Liverpool should keep an eye on him.”
Duran could serve as a potential replacement for Darwin Nunez, who has struggled to meet expectations since his record-breaking move to Liverpool.
With just four goals this season, Nunez has faced criticism, including from ex-Liverpool winger Jermaine Pennant.
Pennant suggested Liverpool should consider cutting their losses on the Uruguayan striker, saying: “For the fee paid, you’d expect more goals.
He works hard and offers something different, but ultimately, Liverpool needs returns for that price tag. I don’t think we’ll see significant improvement from him.”
Despite the speculation, Aston Villa is in no hurry to sell Duran. The club has reportedly set a £75 million price tag on the striker, who extended his contract until 2030 in October.
