Lyon target Julien Duranville to offset Afonso Moreira's imminent departure to Bayer

Lyon is preparing to lose Afonso Moreira to Bayer Leverkusen and has already targeted Belgian winger Julien Duranville, on loan at Basel this season, as his replacement. According to Sky Sport Germany, a preliminary agreement has been reached with Borussia Dortmund for a transfer valued between €8 and €9 million.

The club’s financial situation remains the driving force behind these moves. Still burdened by the legacy of the Textor era, Lyon must record sales before 30 June to meet the requirements of the National Financial Control Authority (DNCG) and UEFA’s Club Financial Control Body (CFCB).

Afonso Moreira, 21, is one of the likely victims of this budget constraint. The Portuguese winger, one of the most promising talents from Lyon’s academy, is said to have already agreed contractually with Leverkusen. The transfer fee reported is €30 million.

To fill this void, Lyon has turned to Julien Duranville, 20, trained at Anderlecht and owned by Borussia Dortmund. After a six-month loan spell at Basel last season, the Belgian is regarded as one of the great prospects of his generation. He is reportedly keen to join the Rhône club, and discussions between the two clubs are said to be at an advanced stage.