"One of South America's biggest talents": how BVB plan for Lerma | OneFootball

Borussia Dortmund has big plans for new signing Justin Lerma. The Ecuadorian top talent is to be developed carefully and take on a key role at BVB in the long term.

More than two years after signing his contract, Justin Lerma has finally arrived in Dortmund. The Ecuadorian midfielder, whom Borussia Dortmund signed back in spring 2024 at the age of 16, is expected to play an important role for the Black and Yellows in the long run. Expectations for the now 18-year-old are high. Even at the time of his signing, then sporting director Sebastian Kehl described the youngster as one of the “greatest talents in South America.”

Lerma is now beginning the next stage of his career at BVB. However, before the creative midfielder is integrated into the first-team squad, those in charge are planning a careful buildup, according to a report by kicker. Before the Bundesliga team starts training on July 12, Lerma will first work with the second team. This is intended to help him adapt to the physical and tactical demands of German football.

His adjustment off the pitch has also been prepared over the long term. Since his signing, the Ecuadorian has reportedly had the support of a so-called integration manager. Over the past two years, this person has already helped the top talent gain important knowledge about life in Europe and worked to keep the upcoming culture shock to a minimum.

Expert raves about BVB gem Justin Lerma

Sportingly, Lerma is believed to have a lot of potential. Internally, according to kicker, he is seen as a possible building block of a new generation of creative attacking players. Together with talents such as Samuele Inacio and Mathis Albert, he could shape Dortmund’s attacking core in the coming years.

Photo: IMAGO

Despite his young age, Lerma already brings valuable experience. He made his debut in Ecuador’s top division for Independiente del Valle at just 15 years old. After signing in Dortmund, he remained in his home country for another two years and developed into a regular starter there. At the end of 2025, he even won the league title with his club.

Many observers are convinced of his abilities. South American journalist Simon Escudero recently told Ruhr Nachrichten: “He is the kind of player who comes along only once in thousands.” Qualities such as technique, game intelligence, and creativity make the U20 international one of the most exciting young players in his country.

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