16-year-old prospect Julien Duranville close to signing with Borussia Dortmund | OneFootball

According to a report from L’Équipe, Borussia Dortmund are close to acquiring the signature of youth prospect Julien Duranville from RSC Anderlecht in the Belgian Pro League. The 16-year-old should commit to Die Schwarzgelben for four and a half years, in a deal which will cost the German side €8.5m plus €3m in potential bonuses.

BVB have earned a reputation for developing the most exciting European talents, with starlets such as Jadon Sancho, Erling Haaland, and Jude Bellingham all having played a significant portion of their early careers in North Rhine-Westphalia. Duranville, who plays as both a forward and on the wings, will hope to continue this legacy as he makes the short journey from Brussels to the Ruhr Valley.

Despite his age, he has appeared in six league games for Anderlecht this season. Notably, he scored a goal in his debut league appearance against OH Leuven, after coming on as a substitute. Injuries have seen the teenager sidelined for much of the campaign, but he has clearly left an impression on top European clubs. Before Dortmund closed in on him, the young Belgian was previously linked to three clubs in France’s Ligue 1. Rennes, Lyon, and Monaco were thought to be seeking his signature, though it appears their interest has been in vain.

GFFN | Brendan Cox