BVB’s first summer signing: top talent Justin Lerma set to arrive | OneFootball

From Talents to Stars. Borussia Dortmund knows how to polish rough diamonds. Whether it's Jude Bellingham (22), Erling Haaland (25), or Jadon Sancho (25), they came for little money and filled the club's coffers upon their departure. With Justin Lerma (17), the next youngster is ready to step up.

As of July 1st, Lerma will be part of BVB's squad. The young Ecuadorian will immediately join the professionals, as reported by the Bild newspaper. The midfielder is among South America's greatest young prospects. Numerous top clubs have shown interest in him. However, the U20 national player consciously chose the Black and Yellows.

In May 2024, the Bundesliga club announced Lerma's signing. The Westphalians reportedly valued the teenager's acquisition at four million euros. On May 5, 2026, the young star will reach adulthood and make the leap from the talent factory Independiente del Valle to Germany.

"We have been observing Justin for a long time and have maintained close communication with the player and his family since then. Justin is among the best South American players of his age group, and we are delighted to have secured an outstanding talent for Borussia Dortmund," raved BVB sporting director Sebastian Kehl (45) last year about Lerma's abilities.

Professional Debut at 15

At just 15, the midfielder celebrated his debut in his country's top league. He has also appeared in the Copa Libertadores, comparable to the Champions League in Europe. However, this season his development has stagnated. His coach Javier Rabanal (46) no longer grants him even brief appearances. In the final round that began in Ecuador last weekend, the future Dortmund player was at least back on the bench. "I'm happy to be back in the first team," the 17-year-old told Diario Olé.

Lerma also explained his current situation: "It's a big step for me and my career. But I still have a few months until I reach adulthood. Only then can I go to Germany. For now, my focus is on Independiente, Dortmund is the future."

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