If West Ham United had put the required money on the table, then Jhon Duran would have been their player by now.
But instead, Duran was scoring the winner for Aston Villa against the Hammers at the London Stadium on Saturday evening.
Before a ball was kicked, Aston Villa knew they had a very tricky game on their hands because West Ham had a new manager in the dugout and they probably had the best summer transfer window of any team in English football.
But debutant Amadou Onana powered Aston Villa ahead from a corner after just four minutes and that provided Unai Emery’s side with a real lift.
In truth, the team should have doubled their lead, especially when Leon Bailey hit the post, with Villa losing four games in pre-season, looking abject, but far different and better for the opening game of the season.
Ollie Watkins hasn’t played a single minute since Euro 2024 and he was a doubt to start, but Emery put him in and he could only, and understandably, play an hour, but that’s when Duran entered into the picture.
It was written in the stars for the 20-year-old to hit the back of the net, and West Ham were warned earlier when he hit the side netting, but he didn’t miss the target at the second time of asking with all three subs – Duran, Ian Maatsen and Jacob Ramsey – combining for the winning goal.
Duran’s transfer situation at Villa was looking ‘messy’, but now, and especially after his celebration, he looks set to stay, as he sent this brilliant message on Instagram.
Jhon Duran scores at the London Stadium
“Nothing has changed!” insisted the striker. “One more day in business! Happy to score again and bring 3 more points to the bag, the fans were amazing today.”
Jhon Duran’s future at Aston Villa
Eagled-eyed Villa fans spotted that Duran had been given the number nine jersey in pre-season and now he was sporting it for the Premier League opener.
Is Emery showing him some love and how he wants him to stay? There is no doubt that his talent is incredible, it’s just the attitude and respect towards the club that he needs to sort out.
READ MORE: Nigel Reo-Coker warns Aston Villa have big ‘worries’ as clear transfer priorities emerge
But he is very young and he will be given the benefit of the doubt, with Villa set to play in the Champions League and Duran able to play a crucial role.
Duran was given a rating of 8/10 for Villa’s win at West Ham and you feel plenty of that is to come if he just listens to Emery and continues his progression in the Midlands.
