Aston Villa's president of football operations, Monchi, has admitted that the offer for Jhon Duran was too substantial to turn down, paving the way for the Colombian striker to join Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League.

Despite signing a long-term contract with Villa just last October, 21-year-old Duran has left Villa Park after two years. Birmingham Live readers have been discussing what comes next.

The forward has made a significant impact this season, scoring decisive goals against West Ham and Everton early on, and then stunning Bayern Munich in the Champions League at Villa Park. However, rumours of his departure never truly died down. While West Ham and Chelsea maintained their interest, it was big-spending Al-Nassr who ultimately outbid them all.

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Duran completed his move on Friday in a deal worth £65m plus add-ons, having been signed from Chicago Fire for roughly a quarter of that amount in the summer of 2023. Monchi revealed that Duran will earn up to five times his current salary at Villa, despite recently signing an improved contract.

Monchi also confirmed last week ongoing interest in Joao Felix and Marco Asensio, players Villa have tried to sign on multiple occasions. They hope to finalise deals with Chelsea and PSG respectively before Monday night's transfer deadline, if the finances align. A deal for Asensio appears to be imminent. Monchi added that Unai Emery is a big admirer of both players.

With a loan move for Manchester United star Marcus Rashford also looking to be close to completion, Birmingham Live readers have had their say on the anticipated new arrivals and the shock exit of Duran.

Smashed says: “Duran has made his choice and has moved on after a turbulent relationship with the manager comes to an end, good luck to him in his new quest. Felix looks to be the target to replace him and he is a wonderful player to bring in, Unai has an eye for talent and it is very easy to see just why he wants him. Fans are excited about his potential signing on social media and are following developments every step of the way, I just feel this is going to happen this time around and what an incredible signing it would be.”

Avillian disagrees: “No, No, No to Felix - he’s another Coutinho. How is Unai going to make him work when he couldn’t with Emi B? I’m not that keen on Assensio either but a stronger, more dynamic player than Felix. Defence is where we need strengthening with 1st Choice signings.”

MikeyVillan replies: “I disagree mate - I don't think Felix hasn't been used properly nor had a fair crack at Chelsea. I think we'd see the best of him in the number 10/ SS (Second Striker) role at Villa. But yeah agree Asensio - not really good for the future & lacks pace, but certainly is a goal machine. He would be OK for a stopgap but not keen age-wise.”

Crichy adds: “Hopefully we don't get Felix or Asensio, two players who don't excite me. I would much rather we get [Matheus] Cunha who is young and hungry and plays with so much energy.”

Chosen in 1957 is worried: “There hasn't been one Villa fan on this site that wants us to sign Felix. He turned us down and he's been in poor form this season and it's no wonder Chelsea want to get rid of him.

The ball game is totally different with the money from the Duran sale and the Champions League and we need to spend that cash wisely and not waste it on another potential Coutinho debacle.

“Yes all this money is pouring into the club from qualifying for the knockout stages of the Champions league and the massive sale of Jhon Duran. All that will mean nothing if we don't now make the crucial decisions regarding new signings. The choice between Cunha and Felix must lead the Villa to Wolverhampton and not Chelsea.”

Morrison123 agrees: “We have made around £60 million from the CL so far and this overshadowed the achievement of reaching the knockout phase winning 5 from 8 games. I can see why we sold Duran but another CF should be our focus.”

VillaWylde says: “We need a top notch CB. And Bailey should not be allowed on the pitch. He needs to go as he is simply holding the team back. Hopefully our new guy will solve this problem.”

Scorpion32 replies: “I wouldn’t write Bailey off just yet, he has improved in the last few games. He got a good goal against Leicester and seems to have turned a corner. At the beginning of the season he was well off it, failing to hold the ball up or even attempt to get past defenders. Since the new year he has improved game on game, and now has Malen breathing down his neck.”

How do you feel about Duran going? Who should replace him? Have your say in our comments section.