Wolves Plotting Surprise Move for £330,000-a-Week Al-Nassr Striker Jhon Duran Amid Striker Crisis
Wolverhampton Wanderers are reportedly preparing a surprise swoop for Al-Nassr striker Jhon Duran as manager Vitor Pereira begins reshaping his squad in the wake of key departures early in the summer transfer window. According to a report from TEAMtalk, Wolves are among several Premier League sides exploring the possibility of signing the Colombian forward, with the Midlands club hopeful of securing a loan deal that would bring the 21-year-old back to English football.
The Molineux outfit find themselves in urgent need of attacking reinforcements following the departure of star forward Matheus Cunha, who completed a high-profile move to Manchester United after the Red Devils activated his £62.5 million release clause. The blow was further compounded by Manchester City’s successful £31 million bid for standout left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri, leaving Wolves with significant gaps at both ends of the pitch.
Pereira, who is set for his first full transfer window in charge, is said to be targeting players capable of making an immediate impact, particularly in the final third. And that’s where Jhon Duran fits in.
Duran on Wolves’ Radar as Premier League Clubs Circle
As per TEAMtalk, Wolves are joined by fellow Premier League sides West Ham United and Fulham in expressing concrete interest in Duran. Several other top-flight clubs are also said to be monitoring the situation, with competition heating up for the powerful striker’s signature.
Duran’s stint in Saudi Arabia has yet to meet expectations. After joining Al-Nassr in a blockbuster £71 million move from Aston Villa in January, the young Colombian has struggled for consistent game time, primarily due to the presence of Cristiano Ronaldo—undisputedly the team’s biggest star and the focal point of their attack. The result has been a frustrating half-season for Duran, who made just 18 appearances across all competitions but still managed to score 12 goals, demonstrating his clinical finishing when given the opportunity.
Given the logjam up front and the need to help the player regain rhythm and confidence, Al-Nassr are reportedly open to the idea of loaning Duran out this summer. A temporary return to the Premier League is seen as a logical step, allowing him to get regular minutes in a more familiar environment while reigniting the interest of top European clubs.
Wolves See Duran as Ideal Cunha Successor
Wolves view Duran as a potential game-changing signing. With Matheus Cunha gone and Wolves short on consistent goal threats, Duran’s profile fits what the club is looking for—a young, explosive forward with Premier League experience and natural goal-scoring instincts.
During his time at Aston Villa, Duran made a significant impression despite limited playing time. He scored seven goals in just 626 Premier League minutes, averaging a goal every 89 minutes—a remarkable return that turned heads across the league. His blend of strength, pace, and finishing ability earned him the label “unbelievable” from teammates and pundits alike.
For Wolves, who will be entering the 2025/26 campaign without their top scorer, Duran represents both a short-term solution and a long-term project. His £330,000-a-week wages might be a sticking point, but a loan agreement—potentially with Al-Nassr covering part of the salary—could make the deal viable.
Wolves Must Move Quickly
With multiple Premier League clubs expressing interest, Wolves will need to act fast if they want to secure Duran’s signature. The competition from the likes of West Ham and Fulham is expected to intensify, especially as the transfer window progresses and clubs solidify their forward targets.
Pereira and the Wolves recruitment team are believed to be prioritizing pace and power up front, characteristics that Duran offers in abundance. While it may be considered a “shock” move given the player’s status and the financial package involved, Wolves see an opportunity to land a high-upside talent who could reinvigorate their attack.
As the transfer window unfolds, Wolves fans will be watching closely to see whether the club can pull off what would be one of the more unexpected—yet potentially brilliant—signings of the summer.