Gabby Agbonlahor has backed Unai Emery's decision to sell Jhon Duran, as the Colombian striker joins Benfica on a season-long loan – his fourth different club since leaving Aston Villa in January 2025.
Duran's nomadic journey since Villa exit
Duran, 22, was sold by Aston Villa to Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr for £65 million in January 2025. Since then, he has been loaned to Fenerbahce, Zenit Saint Petersburg, and now Benfica. The Portuguese giants will pay a £5.19 million (€6.1 million) loan fee, with an option to make the move permanent for £25.5 million (€30 million) at the end of the 2026-27 season.
Speaking to talkSPORT, Agbonlahor said: "When Jhon Duran left Aston Villa, everyone was a little annoyed but the manager did the right thing. He left Aston Villa for Al Nassr in January 2025 for £65m. Since then, he’s been on loan at Fenerbahce, Zenit and now Benfica, and there’s a buy-option in the loan of £22m. He’s 22 years of age, in 18 months look at what has happened to him. Sometimes players are bad eggs, and well done to Unai Emery for getting him out."
Duran's impact at Villa and Emery's decision
Duran had scored 12 goals for Villa in the first half of the 2024-25 season, including a memorable strike against Bayern Munich in the Champions League. Despite his form, Emery opted to sell him, a move that drew criticism at the time. Agbonlahor, however, believes the subsequent turmoil in Duran's career has vindicated the manager.
When asked by presenter Jeff Stelling if he would take Duran back at Villa Park, Agbonlahor replied: "No. I think he caused carnage in the changing room."
Duran's hopes at Benfica
Duran expressed his delight at joining Benfica, saying: "I am happy! I continue to say that it is the biggest club in Portugal. I am very grateful to be here. I have very high expectations of being here. I want to play well, give my all and become champion."
