£25.5m transfer deal agreed by possible Hearts opponent as Sturm Graz star shares nerves over Jambos clash
One game involving Hearts in Europe has been reviewed while a possible opponent go spending big cash.
A Sturm Graz star has revealed the nerves that kicked in for him against Hearts - as the Jambos’ next possible opponent in Europe flex their financial muscles with one former Aston Villa ace.
The Jambos suffered a tough 4-0 loss in the first leg of their Champions League second round qualifier in Graz that has them staring at entry to the Europa League qualification rounds. They still have a second leg to play at Tynecastle next week but overturning the deficit will require an almost impossible comeback against strong Austrian opposition.
Despite their eventual win by a large margin, goalscorer Jurgen Heil admits he was caught up with nerves, ahead of kick-off with Wouter Vrancken’s side. The 29-year-old signed for Sturm Graz in the summer and admits his eventual winner on the night gave him major goosebumps.
Sturm Graz reaction to win vs Hearts
Heil said: "In that moment, not much goes through your mind. Of course, today was a very special day, I have to honestly admit that – there was definitely a bit of nervousness involved. I've dreamed of a game like this – for my beloved club – my whole life. You always want to give your all, and in that situation, it all came pouring out. When the ball went in, I had goosebumps like crazy!"
Europa League third round qualifiers look likely for Hearts but the going isn’t set to be any easier. Portuguese giants Benfica are the favourites to progress from their tie with Swiss outfit St Gallen and meet the loser of Sturm Graz vs Hearts. Marco Silva’s side are already showing the difference in resources as they have agreed an option to buy striker Jhon Duran for a cool £25.5m if a loan deal costing £5.2m is successful .
Duran broke out at Envigado and earned an MLS move to Chicago Fire. Aston Villa then snapped him up in January 2023 before a huge move to Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr worth €77m. Loan spells at Fenerbahce and Zenit have followed since but he could now be bound for Gorgie after the big money agreement was signed off.
Who have Benfica signed up front?
A club statement reads: “Forward Jhon Duran, 22, has joined the Sport Lisboa e Benfica professional football team . The Colombian international has transferred from Al-Nassr to Benfica on loan from the Saudi club until the end of the 2026/27 season. The total cost for Benfica in this operation is €6.1 million. The agreement also includes a purchase option at the end of the season for €30 million.”
Duran said of the move: "I am very grateful to God, as I said when I arrived. I am happy! I continue to say that it is the biggest club in Portugal. I am very grateful to be here. I have very high expectations of being here. I want to play well, give my all, and become champion. I want to work and help my team.”