Liverpool and Chelsea are reportedly engaged in a fierce competition to secure the signature of Jhon Duran, a promising young talent from Major League Soccer (MLS). Duran, an 18-year-old Colombian sensation, joined the Chicago Fire in January of the previous year after making a name for himself in his homeland. At the tender age of 15, he made his debut for Envigado in the Categoria Primera A, where he went on to score 10 goals in 49 appearances for the team known as El Equipo Naranja.

Impressed by his performances in South America, Chicago acquired Duran for a fee of £2.3 million. Since then, he has quickly risen through the ranks and gained significant recognition. In the current season, he has already scored eight goals and provided six assists in various competitions, despite Chicago’s struggles. Notably, he netted two goals in a recent match against FC Cincinnati, helping his team secure a 3-2 victory at TQL Stadium. Such standout displays have captured the attention of prominent European clubs.

Reports from the United States suggest that Liverpool and Chelsea are both actively pursuing the talented Colombian international. It is anticipated that bids exceeding £10 million will be submitted during the January transfer window.

Duran currently has 18 months remaining on his contract with Chicago, although the club has the option to extend it for an additional two years. Manager Ezra Hendrickson has expressed his belief that Duran, along with his teammate Brian Gutierrez, possesses the potential to reach the highest level of the sport.

“I’ve always maintained that both of them have immense potential. Speaking specifically about Jhon, once he fully harnesses his abilities, he can become an exceptionally special player. He possesses all the necessary qualities,” Hendrickson remarked following the triumph over Cincinnati. He further added, “The sky’s the limit for these two individuals, and that’s why they are on the field. When players demonstrate their readiness in training, they earn minutes on the pitch. Throughout the year, both of them have displayed exceptional progress, and it was evident tonight. Jhon Duran poses a significant challenge for defenders in this league, and we expect him to continue excelling in the future.”