From top talent to worry, new details on Dortmund's Lerma dilemma | OneFootball

High expectations, sluggish start: Borussia Dortmund’s top talent Justin Lerma has yet to find his rhythm. A loan move for the 18-year-old midfielder was therefore on the table. But in the end, those in charge decided otherwise.

BVB had already wrapped up the transfer of Justin Lerma two years ago, when the then-16-year-old was being hailed in South America as an exceptional talent. Not wanting to miss out on the gem, the Bundesliga club moved early. Due to FIFA regulations for minors, however, the Ecuadorian was only allowed to officially join Dortmund this summer. The initial excitement over the transfer coup has largely faded by now. Just a few weeks after his arrival, Lerma’s career is at risk of hitting a dead end.

After the planned summer pre-season with the senior squad, it became clear that the step up is still too big for the 18-year-old. Initial thoughts last August about immediately sending Lerma out on loan for more playing time were ultimately shelved. According to “Auffe Süd – the BVB podcast by Sky Sport,” Dortmund’s bosses are prioritizing a careful integration on site instead of sending him away again right away. But one thing is also clear: in the long run, the talent urgently needs match practice.

No appearances for the U23s

The next hurdle followed promptly: aside from a current muscle injury that is already holding the 18-year-old back, his chances in Borussia Dortmund’s senior squad are virtually non-existent. But even the alternative plan of giving the South American valuable game time with the club’s own U23 side after his recovery is currently hanging by a thread. Due to labor law regulations, Lerma is currently ineligible to play in the Regionalliga.

Photo: IMAGO

The youngster would be eligible to feature in the UEFA Youth League and the Premier League International Cup. But if nothing changes in Lerma’s difficult situation by winter, a loan deal will inevitably become a topic again. Still, there is no acute pressure to act in Dortmund’s executive offices. Thanks to a long-term contract running until 2031, the Ecuadorian still has plenty of time at BVB to make the desired progress.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.