Olympique Lyonnais have officially announced the signing of Belgian winger Julien Duranville from Borussia Dortmund. The 20-year-old, who developed through the RSC Anderlecht academy, has signed a five-year contract with the French club that expires in 2031.
The transfer fee remains subject to differing reports. Lyon stated the initial fee is €5 million, with performance-related bonuses potentially adding another €3.5 million. However, German outlet Ruhr Nachrichten suggested the total fee is closer to €8.5 million. The deal also includes a 20 per cent sell-on clause, ensuring Dortmund will receive a share of any future capital gains.
Injury-plagued spell in Germany
Duranville arrived at Signal Iduna Park in January 2023 billed as one of the brightest talents of his generation, but his progress was severely hampered by persistent physical problems. Across three and a half years in Germany, he made only 15 Bundesliga appearances, with his total across all competitions reaching 27 matches. His solitary competitive goal for the club came in August 2024 during a DFB-Pokal victory over Phönix Lübeck.
Despite these fitness setbacks, the Uccle-born attacker made his UEFA Champions League debut for Dortmund and earned his first senior cap for Belgium in September 2024, appearing in a 3-1 victory over Israel. He has since won two international caps.
Basel loan and Lyon future
Seeking regular playing time, Duranville spent the second half of the 2025-26 campaign on loan at FC Basel. He made 17 appearances in the Swiss Super League, starting 11 matches and contributing two goals and one assist.
Borussia Dortmund sporting director Lars Ricken said: “We thank Juju for three and a half years in black and yellow and wish him every success in the next chapter of his career, as well as all the best to him and his family.”
The transfer represents a fresh start for Duranville, who will aim to establish himself in Ligue 1 after his injury troubles in the Bundesliga. Lyon gain a versatile young winger to bolster their squad depth, while Dortmund retain a financial stake in his future development through the sell-on clause.