Nottingham Forest Join Premier League Rivals In Race For Ex-Aston Villa Attacker

Nottingham Forest will rival Tottenham and Leeds for former Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran, who is currently at Fenerbahce.

Colombian international Duran, 22, joined Saudi club Al-Nassr from Villa last year.

But he has since moved to Turkey on loan, making 21 appearances for Fenerbahce.

Now, however, Duran has been linked with a Premier League return.

Nottingham Forest have since emerged as contenders for the striker’s signature, after missing out on Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta.

With Mateta set to join AC Milan, Sean Dyche has turned his attention to Jhon Duran as Forest looked for more attacking firepower.

There have already been some additions at the City Ground in January, with striker Lorenzo Lucca joining Forest this month.

But the Midlands side are keen to bolster their ranks further before Monday’s deadline closes.

Nottingham Forest Join Race For Jhon Duran

According to reports, Forest have been in contact with Duran’s representatives.

The ex-Villa striker is keen to return to the Premier League, having struggled to settle in Saudi or Turkey.

Although linked to several clubs on the continent, England is his most likely destination.

❌ Jhon Durán was never close to joining Lille, no chances for deal to happen.

Juventus are also focused on different targets. pic.twitter.com/mdT1cdIWnJ

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 1, 2026

Duran scored 20 goals in 78 appearances for Villa during his two and a half seasons with the club.

With Fenerbahce set to terminate his loan, a return to Al-Nassr was on the cards.

But Duran has no interest in heading back to Saudi, with a European return his preference.

Forest face competition from the likes of Tottenham, Leeds and Bournemouth for his services.

How Good Could Jhon Duran Be For Nottingham Forest?

Signing Jhon Duran would be an outstanding bit of business for Nottingham Forest.

With just 23 goals in as many games, Forest have the lowest strike rate of any side in the Premier League – bar bottom-club Wolves.

Their alarming lack of goals has been directly responsible for their league position, where they sit 17th and just five points clear of relegation.

Forest have conceded 34 times, the same as fourth-placed Manchester United.

| OFFICIAL: Jhon Durán wins the Guinness Goal of the Month for September for his goal against Everton!

pic.twitter.com/VllqAFSzkd

— CentreGoals. (@centregoals) October 11, 2024

It’s clear, therefore, that their issues are in the final third predominantly.

Duran has the X-factor that Forest have been lacking, and has proven Premier League quality.

If he can return to England and hit the ground running, his finishing could catapult Forest up the table.

And given the Colombian is still just 22, he has the potential to reach even greater heights.

If he does kick on, it’s unlikely Forest would be able to keep him for long.

But even if he only spends a season or two with the club, selling him on for a big profit after he’s helped them avoid relegation would be a superb result.