Chicago Fire coach Ezra Hendrickson admits he’s desperate to see Jhon Duran stay at the MLS outfit despite rumours of a £9 million move to Premier League giants Liverpool, speaking via 90Min.
Less than a year ago, South American reporter Pipe Sierra broke the news of Luis Diaz’s switch from Porto to the red side of Stanley Park. That reports linking Duran with a move to Anfield have come from him, then, certainly add an air of authenticity to the speculation.
Liverpool, Sierra says, have sent a scout to watch another exciting young Colombian in Duran. The teenage centre-forward is enjoying a breakthrough season across the pond. Fast, physical and not afraid to shoot from range; Duran has five goals and four assists to his name from his last four Major League Soccer appearances.
WILL LIVERPOOL SIGN ANOTHER COLOMBIAN STARLET IN JHON DURAN?
“Well, I certainly hope that he’s with us next year,” says Endrickson; insisting that the one-time Colombia international has ‘all the tools’ to become a ‘really, really special’ attacker.
“But when you’re a player of that calibre and that talent at such a young age, I would be surprised if teams weren’t looking or weren’t paying attention. Especially European teams. And also, getting a call-up to the Colombian National Team I’m sure helped as far as exposure.
“He’s a Fire player and he’ll continue to be that until otherwise noted. But I can see why teams are very interested.”
Should Liverpool step up their interest in the New Year, the chance to play alongside compatriot Luis Diaz – and hone his talents under a truly elite-level tactician in Jurgen Klopp – may be all-but impossible to turn down.
Chicago Fire would reportedly consider cashing in for £9 million. Potentially a bargain for a player of Duran’s age and skillset.
‘VERY, VERY HIGH CEILING’
“The kid has shown what he can do at a very high level,” Hendrickson adds. “He’s basically had to carry the team on his back as far as the goal-scoring production goes. And I think he’s handling that very, very well.
“Still not quite the finished product but he has a very, very high ceiling.”
Duran is currently under contract until December 2024. In total, he has eight goals and six assists in all competitions this season. Not bad for a Chicago Fire side sitting just two points off the bottom of the MLS’s Eastern Conference.
