Jhon Duran is a name that has dominated the headlines throughout this transfer window, with Unai Emery now sending a clear message to the Aston Villa striker.
Duran was heavily linked with a move away from Aston Villa earlier in the summer, casting doubts over his future at Villa Park.
The 20-year-old was initially courted by Chelsea and then West Ham were said to be leading the race for the striker with all signs pointing towards him leaving before the season.
When he was linked with a move to the London Stadium, Duran was fined after disrespecting the club with a controversial ‘irons’ gesture on Instagram Live.
At this point, few could see a way back for the talented youngster, as it seemed his actions were the final nail in the coffin.
But, since returning from his extended break, Duran has knuckled down in pre-season and eagle-eyed Villa fans spotted him wearing the number nine jersey in training. This suggests he should be staying at the club this summer, with Unai Emery sending a clear message to his forward.
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Unai Emery sends clear message to Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran
Last term, Duran endured a frustrating battle for minutes at Villa, only starting eight times in all competitions as Ollie Watkins proved an immovable object.
Emery puts that frustration down to his petulant actions in pre-season, claiming he wasn’t being patient and because of that, wanted to leave the club.
As per The Athletic, the Spaniard could understand why he felt the best option for him was to leave however, he’s assured Duran that their focus is to support him and help him go down the right path.
“He is young and he has a big potential to exploit,” said Emery. “He will need time and he will need to be patient. Sometimes he wasn’t being patient and he wants everything so quick. To be here fighting with Watkins for one position and seeing how successful Watkins’ career is here, it’s not easy.
“He was telling us he was thinking his best option was to leave so he could play more and more for another club and fulfil his potential, I can understand it. We were always talking to him to help and support him. We wanted to take the best decision for everybody, for him, for the club and for us.
“He is young and he sometimes makes mistakes that a mature and responsible person would not do. So the process with him is to try to support and help him go the right way.”
Emery is the perfect manager for Jhon Duran
While Emery can’t guarantee the Colombian regular starts over Watkins, he is the perfect manager for him to progress and become a top striker.
At the age of 20, he has shown glimpses of his ‘big potential’ on the pitch as he bullied Virgil van Dijk to score a brace against Liverpool last term.
Duran has every tool in his locker to become one of Europe’s best strikers, including his incredible strength, power and clinical finishing; he just needs to take Emery’s advice on board.
The Villa boss has called for him to be patient for opportunities, as while Watkins is the main man, staying in Birmingham can see the talented youngster become the heir to the Englishman’s throne in years to come.
