Aston Villa tell Jhon Duran to forget about moving away and behave as club read wantaway striker the riot act after he made clear he wanted to join West Ham
- The forward, 20, crossed his arms in a photo in an apparent nod to West Ham
- He could be involved against the club he was desperate to join this weekend
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Jhon Duran has been read the riot act by Aston Villa as he prepares to face the club he has been desperate to join this summer.
The Colombian forward, 20, made clear via his social media that he wanted to move to West Ham, even crossing his arms in an apparent nod to the Hammers‘ club crest, but the clubs did not agree a fee.
With Ollie Watkins still regaining fitness as he had an extended break after Euro 2024, Duran could be involved on the opening day at the London Stadium – though it would be no surprise if Villa moved him on before the window closes on August 30.
Villa boss Unai Emery revealed: ‘He was telling us he thought his best option was to leave so he could play more for another club and fulfil his potential. I can understand it.
‘He is young and he has a big potential to exploit. He will need time and he will need to be patient. Of course when he makes a mistake like that it is not the right way, so we spoke to him. But these were a young person’s mistakes.
Jhon Duran has been read the riot act by Aston Villa after expressing his desire to leave
Unai Emery could field Duran against West Ham – the club he was desperate to join
‘He is young and he sometimes makes mistakes that a mature and responsible person would not do. So the process is to try to support and help him.
‘When we spoke to him we tried to get him to show the commitment we want to build here. He accepted it and, after the conversation we had, his wish to commit to us now is going really well.’
