Julien Duranville is poised to join Olympique Lyon from Borussia Dortmund in a permanent transfer, according to Sky Germany. An agreement in principle has been reached between the player and the Ligue 1 club, with final negotiations between the two clubs currently underway and progressing positively. The 20-year-old Belgian winger is reportedly keen on the move, which could see Dortmund recoup a fee close to their initial investment.
Borussia Dortmund initially paid €8.5 million for Duranville when he joined from Anderlecht in 2023, but are not expected to receive the full €13 million package that was initially discussed. The German club are now seeking to secure either a substantial sell-on clause or a buy-back option as part of the deal, with Sky Germany reporting that a sell-on clause appears more likely to be agreed upon. Duranville’s time at Dortmund has been hampered by injuries, limiting his impact on the first team.
Duranville featured in 27 games across all competitions for Dortmund, registering just one goal and one assist. Despite his limited output, Lyon are convinced of his potential and believe he can develop into a key player for the French side. The move could also be influenced by speculation surrounding Afonso Moreira, who has been linked with a transfer to Bayer Leverkusen.
Should Moreira depart, Duranville would likely be viewed as a direct replacement, offering Lyon a dynamic attacking option on the wing. The transfer represents a chance for Duranville to gain more consistent playing time and further develop his skills in a new league, while providing Lyon with a promising young talent to bolster their squad. This move could provide a fresh start for the Belgian, allowing him to showcase his abilities and fulfill his potential.
