According to the Athletic, Villa wanted to sell Watkins in the winter window, but Duran wanted to make money in Saudi Arabia. Vera internal sources revealed that if Duran chooses to stay in the team in January, the club would be more determined to ke...
Vera internal sources revealed that if Duran chooses to stay in the team in January, the club would be more determined to keep him. Due to restrictions on the Premier League Profit and Sustainable Development Rules (PSR), Villa had to sell one person between Duran and Watkins at the time. The club was open to the latter's departure because if Watkins left, the Colombia international might be excited by gaining responsibility as the main striker and thus improve his behavioral problems.
But Duran made a clear statement that he wanted to transfer to Saudi Arabia, and his growth experience shaped this choice. He was born in the impoverished Zaragoza community in Antioquia Province and later moved to the outskirts of Medellin. Duran's childhood was filled with mountain slums hit by heavy rains, and employment opportunities were scarce. He, his siblings and parents often need external guidance. He once skipped school for listening to music, and his grandfather took him to the Envegado club for training.
Understanding Duran's decision must be based on background, and money has always been the core driving force of his transfer, which is inseparable from his experience of long-term poverty in childhood.
Villa has become tired of Duran's repeated requests for departure, and despite his excellent performance on the court, the club realized that it could not change its mind. Many technical team members believe that their expected goals are seriously inflated and this performance is difficult to sustain. The club is worried that the more players appear, the more players' value may fall.
Objectively speaking, the trip to the Middle East is really good for Villa. They received a considerable transfer fee and the low attention paid to players in the league means that even if Duran shines in Riyadh, few people will ridicule Villa for being misleading.
