Aston Villa announce sudden deal for £18M Liverpool target

Liverpool won’t be signing Jhon Duran after Aston Villa swooped in under the radar to secure an agreement for the Chicago Fire striker.

Villa have done it again; out of nowhere, they have announced a surprise signing with virtually no speculation surrounding a move.

Villa have today announced an agreement with Chicago Fire for striker Jhon Duran, something fans seemingly weren’t expecting.

The Daily Mail report that the fee involved for Duran is a hefty $22million (£18million) with Duran now heading for Villa Park.

Duran must undergo a medical and agree personal terms, but Villa must be confident of getting all aspects wrapped up having announced the agreement today.

Duran has emerged as one of the top talents in Major League Soccer and major clubs were interested.

Colombian journalist Pipe Sierra – who broke the news of Liverpool signing Luis Diaz from Porto back in January – claimed earlier this season that the Reds have been following Duran.

The same scout who was tracking Diaz was allegedly had Duran on his radar too with Liverpool looking to secure another top talent.

Villa have swooped in and snapped up Duran though and may be able to unleash him on Liverpool in the near future.

Duran, 19, joined Chicago Fire from Envigado in his native Colombia in 2022.

The teenage striker enjoyed a fine first season with Chicago Fire, bagging eight goals in 28 appearances for the MLS side, as well as notching five assists.

Duran already has three caps for Colombia too and there should be many more to come in the years ahead.

This looks to be a hugely exciting signing for Villa, and maybe Liverpool have to keep tabs on him as a Villa player moving forward.