Jhon Durán

ClubEnvigado PositionStriker Born13 December 2003 Aged 16 and already a towering 6ft tall, Jhon Jáder has made a habit of being ahead of schedule so far in his fledgling career. A revelation in youth football after the Medellin-born left footer was converted from winger to striker by the Under-15s coach Wilberth Perea, Durán went on to play for the Colombia Under-17s while still 15, before being promoted to the Under-20s national team that is currently preparing for the South American Youth Championships on home soil in 2021. In 2019, he became the second youngest goalscorer in Colombian top-flight history at the tender age of 15 years and 263 days with a goal after nine minutes. Strong, versatile and with a devilish burst of pace, he emerged from the same famed Envigado academy as James Rodríguez and Juan Fernando Quintero, then aged 11. Nephew to an ex-player who is now a football manager, Durán’s development has since been in good hands with several observers comparing his robust style to that of Romelu Lukaku. “Both are similar players, but for me Durán could develop to be even more complete,” coach Perea explains. “At the age of 15 he’d already broken all the limits. He has this strong character to always try risks – a bit like Tino Asprilla would do.” **[Carl Worswick](https://twitter.com/cworswick)** **October 2021 update** Became the youngest signing in MLS history when Chicago Fire swooped this year, thus stealing a headstart on several European clubs that had been sniffing around the young striker. “One of the best talents in world football is coming to Chicago,” the Fire tweeted upon announcing the deal. “Jhon is a very special and highly rated young talent,” sporting director Georg Heitz said. Unable to officially join the club until his 18th birthday at the start of next year he’s been progressing nicely as tiny Envigado punch above their weight at the top of the Colombian first division. **September 2022 update** Recently called up to the first Colombia squad under new manager Nestor Lorenzo and nicely settling in the MLS where he’s picking up regular minutes for Chicago Fire. **October 2023 update** Signed for Aston Villa in an £18m deal at the start of the year, becoming Unai Emery’s back-up striker behind Ollie Watkins following Danny Ings’ departure to West Ham. "He will need to play matches, gain minutes and experiences and confidence," Emery gushed after the 18-year-old scored a late stunner to set Villa on their way to a 3-1 September win over Crystal Palace. "Scoring like he did today, it is coming quick. But the most important thing is his quality, his capacity, his skill, his big potential.” A regular in the Colombia squad, he also scored his first international goal against Japan in March.