EXCLUSIVE: Newcastle target 18-year-old Dortmund winger

Steve Kay

• Updated: 22 Nov 2024 13:26 GMT
• 5 min read

Exclusive

Newcastle United and Bayern Munich are keeping a close watch on Borussia Dortmund's wonderkid Julien Duranville, FootballTransfers has been told.

The 18-year-old Belgian international has been touted as one of Europe’s brightest prospects despite struggling with persistent injury issues. Even still, it's our understanding that Newcastle are very keen.

Duranville is a left-winger but he is capable of playing on both flanks it's thought that he could eventually take over from Anthony Gordon in the coming years. According to our sources, head coach Eddie Howe is undeterred by the player’s injury history and is hopeful of bringing him to St James' Park.

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But Newcastle are not the only interested party. Bayern Munich are also at the table, with their interest fueled in part by Vincent Kompany, who joined the club as head coach in the summer.

This is because he was Duranville’s manager at Anderlecht and was even the one to hand the winger his professional debut at the age of 16. Sources suggest Kompany has been tracking his progress closely ever since and now wants to bring him to Munich.

Despite joining Borussia Dortmund in early 2023, Duranville’s appearances have been limited, with his last game coming on September 27, 2024. Injuries have plagued his time in Germany, leading some insiders to claim that he is 'made of glasses'. But, as we understand it, this hasn’t deterred interest from Newcastle or Bayern, who see his potential as worth the risk.

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Having already earned his first cap for Belgium's senior national team, Duranville’s talent is undeniable. Both Newcastle and Bayern view him as a long-term investment.

Duranville's injury woes

Dortmund boss Nuri Sahin spoke about the winger’s struggles with injuries during his pre-match press conference ahead of the club's game against SC Frieberg.

"Every time the boy is on the training pitch, it's fun to watch. He has already shown signs of his potential, the question is whether he can stay healthy. Then he'll make his mark.

He continued: "He is simply too good. He has become more stable and more mature mentally. Now it's up to all of us to make sure that he can play every three days."