Barcelona take first steps as €70m Aston Villa transfer talk surfaces
Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran is the subject of interest from La Liga giants Barcelona in the summer transfer window - despite the fact that they are struggling to register their own 2024 summer signings for the second half of the season.
Barca's issues have been well documented; they signed Dani Olmo and Pau Victor in the summer, but because of wage cap restrictions they were only able to register the pair until December. Attempts to re-register them for the second half of the season have been so far rejected.
It's been suggested that the Blaugrana's financial issues are, in general, easing and that when the summer comes, they'll be able to operate with a one in, one out process. Reports in Spain claim that the club's sporting director, former midfielder Deco, had instigated an informal meeting with Villa forward Duran's agent to discuss the prospect of a summer move and whether even Duran would be open to a switch.
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Villa are, of course, in an exceedingly strong position when it comes to the futures of their prized assets within the squad; the club have routinely remained well on top of the contract lengths of their stars and acted accordingly when they've needed to. This season alone they've extended the stays of Duran, Morgan Rogers and Emi Martinez, while Boubacar Kamara is in line to receive a new deal too.
Duran's deal, agreed in October, runs until the summer of 2030, meaning he has five and a half years remaining on that agreement. In that time, his own personal valuation has rocketed due to his performances on the pitch across different competitions - the Colombian has scored 12 times in 26 outings this term, including three strikes in the Champions League, form which has earned him those improved terms.
Duran, who is still only 21, was the subject of much speculation in the summer with moves to Premier League rivals Chelsea and West Ham mooted, and in that sense reports emerging that link him with a departure from Villa Park ought not to necessarily surprise, but Villa as mentioned are in a powerful place should Barca, or any other clubs, come calling. SPORT in Spain believe that only an offer of €70m would even make Villa think.
