Borussia Dortmund Talent Julien Duranville Joins Lyon For £4.2 million

Borussia Dortmund’s Julien Duranville has left the Bundesliga club after four years. The 20-year-old has joined Ligue 1 side Lyon as he takes the next step in his career.

BVB officially announced the departure of the young Belgian on their club accounts.

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Julien Duranville is an under-21 Belgian international who struggled to break into the Dortmund first team. In his most recent season at club level, he spent his time on loan to Swiss side FC Basel.

The player initially joined Borussia Dortmund from Anderlecht in 2022 at 16 for a reported €11.5 million. He featured just 27 times for the first team since his arrival, starting 11 times in the 24/25 season.

Operating as a forward, his numbers have not been great for the Bundesliga club as he has registered just 1 goal and 1 assist due to a number of injuries that slowed his progression. His time at Basel saw similar results as he picked up 2 goals and 1 assist in 17 appearances.

Duranville joined Dortmund for €11.5 million in 2023 and there were high expectations given the player’s age. However, Dortmund have had to write this transfer down as a loss following his departure.

There are big question marks on the current coach, Niko Kovac, who has not given the youngster his play time. The loan move helped Duranville gain experience, yet the player has now departed the club permanently without being given a real chance to cement himself in the senior squad.

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Lyon will pay €5 million (£4.2 million) for the player as a base, with €3.5 million as bonuses, which includes a 20% sell-on clause. The Belgian has signed a 5-year deal which will see him at the French club till 2031. 

It is always a shame when young, talented players don’t fulfil their potential at the club that initially trusted them. Given his age and limited playing time, he hasn’t really been given the chance to excel at Borussia Dortmund.

The consensus amongst Dortmund fans’ is that it is not a great departure. Plenty are wishing him the best and hoping he shines at Lyon, and others point fingers at the club for letting another young, talented player leave.

Given the small price tag of €5 million, let’s see if he can fulfil his potential at Lyon and help out BVB with that 20% sell-on fee in future.