‘What a shame’ – President lost signing to Aston Villa, player now ‘having blast’ at PL side

Marseille missed out on signing Aston Villa Jhon Durán and are living to regret it.

The striker joined the Villans from MLS side Chicago Fire FC in January 2023. Prior to that, the Ligue 1 side showed interest in him.

That’s according to Jeunes Footeux, who indicate Marseille president Pablo Longoria was leading his side’s pursuit.

Longoria tried to sign the 20-year-old at the start of last year, but he favoured Aston Villa.

The Colombia international was limited to 126 minutes from 12 matches for Aston Villa during the second half of the 2022/23 season. His situation didn’t improve last season as he continued to be a substitute under Unai Emery.

That didn’t stop Durán from attracting interesting from various clubs in the last window. The Premier League side refused to let him leave and their decision has paid off well.

The South American has impressed for Emery’s side this season, scoring four goals from six league appearances. He’s also scored in the Champions League.

Jeunes Footeux say the frontman is ‘having a blast’ at Aston Villa, and Longaria and Marseille will be disappointed to have missed out on Durán.

They end their report by stating: ‘What a shame that he was unable to join Marseille.’