Topics: Football, Transfers, Aston Villa, Al Nassr, Zenit
Jhon Duran made a shocking challenge just five minute into his debut for new club Zenit St. Petersburg.
Just over one year ago, Colombian striker Duran was one of the most exciting young players in European football, with a number of top clubs said to be monitoring him.
However, despite links with several other Premier League clubs, the former Aston Villa striker decided in January 2025 to leave Europe and join Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr in a deal reportedly worth around £64million.
Less than six months later, Duran left Al Nassr to join to Turkish Super Lig side Fenerbahce on loan for the 2025–26 season before once again leaving earlier this month to join Russian Premier League club Zenit St. Petersburg for the remainder of the current season.
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On Tuesday, the 22-year-old made his debut for the Russian club, and he's certainly made a lasting impression after making a bizarre challenge just minutes into the match.
For his first match as a Zenit player, Duran started up front for his new club in a friendly match against fellow Russian side FC Krasnodar in Dubai.
Within the first five minutes of the gane, the striker appeared as if he was going to have the first chance of the match, as he chased down the ball just outside the Krasnodar box.
However, once it became clear that he was going to be beaten by a Krasnodar defender, Duran didn't hold up and instead ran into his opponent, wrapping his arm around his neck before pulling them to the ground.
Of course, the referee immediately blew his whistle after spotting the challenge, as the two players began arguing moments before Duran was shown a yellow card.
Reacting to the moment, one fan joked on X: "Five minutes. That’s all it took for Jhon Duran to announce himself in a Zenit shirt."
A Villa fan added: "And some Villa fans think we should’ve kept him. One of the best pieces of business we did."
While one commented: "Jhon Duran had the world at his feet, now he is playing in Russia.He could have had it all.
"From absolute screamers against Bayern Munich in the Champions League to now this. It’s sad really."
Zenit went on to win the match 1-0 Dubai thanks to a goal from Russian striker Maksim Glushenkov.
Duran will have the chance to make his debut tin the Russian Premier League on Feberuay 27 when Zenit face FC Baltika Kaliningrad.
