BVB’s new signings assessed: one stands out above all | OneFootball

Borussia Dortmund signed seven new players during the past summer transfer window. After the first few weeks at the club, it is now time to draw an initial interim conclusion. One thing is clear: one player in particular stands out.

Justin Lerma was the first player Borussia Dortmund signed for the 2026/27 season. Back then, still under Sebastian Kehl, BVB wrapped up the transfer of the talented Ecuadorian. During preseason, he was a regular part of coach Niko Kovac’s squad and repeatedly showed flashes of his ability. However, it also became clear that the jump from the Ecuadorian league to professional football in Germany is a big one. The 18-year-old still lacks physicality for now, which has seen him rotate out of the squad. On top of that, a muscle injury recently meant the midfielder was unable to train.

However, BVB also face another problem with Justin Lerma: he is only eligible to play for the first team, in the Premier League International Cup, and in the Youth League. At the moment, he is not quite ready for the first team, and the matches in the other competitions are too infrequent for the Ecuadorian to get regular playing time. A difficult situation.

Rating: 4

The second transfer BVB completed for this season was Kaua Prates. Also signed by Sebastian Kehl, the young Brazilian arrived in Dortmund in the summer. Unlike Justin Lerma, the left-back seems to be a step further along already. The 18-year-old has at least made three competitive appearances for the Black and Yellows so far – two of them as a substitute. He too has repeatedly shown flashes of his potential, but the same applies to him: the jump from the Brazilian league to Germany and European professional football requires time to adapt. Coach Niko Kovac is giving him that time.

In addition, BVB have several alternatives in Kaua Prates’ position. At the moment, Daniel Svensson and Maximilian Beier are both ahead of the Brazilian. Nevertheless, it seems certain that the 18-year-old will also get more minutes in the coming weeks.

Rating: 4+

Sporting director Ole Book’s first signing was Joane Gadou – and that has turned out to be the best transfer so far. Signed as a backup option for the back three, the Frenchman showed early in preseason that he would be a player to watch. In his first weeks in black and yellow, the 19-year-old especially impressed with his strong physique and enormous pace. Against VfB Stuttgart, he stopped a counterattack while clocking over 36 km/h. Tremendous speed.

The defender still has room for improvement in possession. His passing in particular has not always found the right teammate so far. Still, the first few games have shown what Joane Gadou is capable of. It is no coincidence that the Frenchman seems to have secured his starting spot in the back three for now.

Rating: 2+

Ole Book’s official marquee signing was Konstantinos Karetsas. BVB signed the talented Greek for just under €30 million, despite AC Milan reportedly also being after him. In preseason, the 18-year-old immediately showed what he is capable of: with a stunning goal in the friendly against Arsenal, he settled in at Borussia Dortmund in no time.

Then, in his first Bundesliga match against Hamburger SV, he registered his first assist in a competitive game for BVB. After that, his performances dipped a little. Following his collapse against Villarreal, the Greek also had to sit out one match. However, on his comeback against VfB Stuttgart, he played a key role in the winning goal and delivered an energetic performance. Konstantinos Karetsas will also still need a bit of time, but his huge potential is already clear to see.

Rating: 2-

BVB well stocked in midfield

A few days after Konstantinos Karetsas was unveiled at BVB, Ole Book signed a second Greek in Giannis Konstantelias. After a strong display in the Supercup, his first Bundesliga appearance followed against Hamburger SV, and he marked it immediately with a goal. But in that same game came his injury-enforced substitution and the devastating news: a torn ACL.

Due to the small number of matches and the long layoff, no rating is possible.

Shortly after the Greek double signing, Joey Veerman was unveiled at BVB. As a defensive midfielder, he is supposed to fill a gap at Borussia Dortmund that has existed in the squad for a long time. So far, the Dutchman has featured in every competitive match for Borussia Dortmund. The 27-year-old started four of them. He has provided one assist so far.

It became clear early on that the Dutchman will play an important role for the Black and Yellows. The only problem: with Jobe Bellingham and Felix Nmecha, he has two talented rivals for his position.

Rating: 3+

Photo: IMAGO

Ethan Nwaneri was BVB’s final signing of the past summer. On deadline day, the Englishman was brought in on a one-year loan from Arsenal as a replacement for Giannis Konstantelias. So far, the 19-year-old has appeared four times for the Black and Yellows. He recorded one assist – straight away on his debut against TSG Hoffenheim.

Since then, the loanee’s performances have been rather mixed. Still, it can be said that the Englishman adds life to BVB’s attack and possesses great potential. As a player alongside Konstantinos Karetsas, who will sooner or later rotate with Samuele Inacio or Mathis Albert, Borussia Dortmund have made a good signing.

Rating: 3

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