Southampton transfer news: Saints to rival European elite for £9m wonderkid

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Southampton are reportedly one of many clubs interested in signing R.S.C. Anderlecht youngster Julien Duranville, with the 16-year-old winger keen to leave Belgium this year.

According to Foot Mercato, the Saints are part of a growing pack of some of Europe’s biggest teams interested in signing Duranville, with the likes of Borussia Dortmund, AS Monaco and Olympique Lyonnais all chasing the ‘extremely promising’ Anderlecht wonderkid.

With a valuation of €10m (£8m), Duranville could be a shrewd signing for many top sides if an offer was to come in for the forward in the coming days, with Southampton seemingly best-suited to move for the youngster given the Premier League side’s wealth compared to their competitors.

And with Southampton recently turning to signing younger players who can grow at the club in the long term, Duranville suits the Saints’ new philosophy, with the winger already a regular for Anderlecht’s senior team despite his tender age.

Indeed, Duranville has made 14 appearances in all competitions for the Belgian giants this campaign, including a handful in the UEFA Europa Conference League. And for Southampton, winning the race for the teenage attacker would be a huge statement from Nathan Jones’ side.

As mentioned, the Anderlecht star is wanted by some of Europe’s biggest clubs, with Dortmund arguably the pick of the bunch. Yet with Southampton having the resources to sign Duranville, the south coast Premier League side should be doing all they can to sign the 16-year-old this January.

Southampton signing Duranville could be a great long-term investment

Southampton were once viewed as the premier English club for developing young players. Yet in recent years the Saints have lost their magic touch that made the south coast side one of the best ran in the entire country. Which is why signing Duranville would be a return to form for Jones.

The Anderlecht teenager is already a regular for one of the biggest clubs in Belgium and has already played some European football at just 16. And for Southampton, signing Duranville would be a great long-term investment given just how promising the forward is.