La Liga champions Real Madrid have reportedly ruled out signing 19-year-old South American striker Jhon Duran after Juni Calafat presented his name.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Defensa Central, Juni Calafat had presented Jhon Duran as a possible target for Real Madrid. But the reigning La Liga champions have snubbed the chance to sign the 19-year-old striker from Chicago Fire.
Jhon Duran spent his formative years in his homeland before graduating from the Envigado academy a couple of years ago. The Colombian international then moved north last year in January, joining Chicago Fire. And he enjoyed a solid 2022 campaign with the Major League Soccer outfit.
The 19-year-old turned out 28 times for Chicago Fire, amassing eight goals and six assists. That is an impressive tally for a teenager. So it is hardly surprising that European clubs have also started noticing his talent. And Juni Calafat, the head scout at Real Madrid, had presented his name to Los Blancos.
Real Madrid will look to complete the transition to the next generation in the 2024 summer transfer window. As a result, they will phase out ageing legends like Luka Modric, Toni Kroos and Karim Benzema in the coming years. And the Merengues are also scouring the market for long-term successors.
As far as Benzema is concerned, Endrick is the designated player to replace the Frenchman in the years to come. Real Madrid and Palmeiras have already reached an agreement over a 2024 move for the Brazilian prodigy. But Mariano Diaz will likely leave Real Madrid in the summer this year. So Los Blancos will need to bring in a replacement for the 29-year-old.
Several young strikers, including Allan Wlk, have emerged on Real Madrid’s radar. And Jhon Duran could have also been a viable target, considering Calafat presented his name. But the reigning La Liga champions have snubbed the chance to sign the 19-year-old South American striker.
It will be interesting to see who arrives at the Santiago Bernabeu this year to beef up the Real Madrid attack. What seems certain is that Jhon Duran will not join Real Madrid in the summer transfer window.
