BVB new boy catches Dortmund fever: Lerma loves ground and fans | OneFootball

His move has been settled for a long time. Justin Lerma had already agreed to a contract with Borussia Dortmund in spring 2024. Because of his young age of just 16, he initially remained in his Ecuadorian homeland. Now that he has come of age, the midfielder is ready to make his mark at BVB.

“I hope I’ll settle in as quickly as possible,” Lerma said in a club interview, looking ahead. He says he will have to get used to “everything,” the youngster, who turned 18 a few weeks ago, assumes, “the team, the culture here.” Football in Germany is “completely different” from in Ecuador, and “more demanding.”

When then sporting director Sebastian Kehl (46) presented Lerma as a new signing, he praised the quick, technically gifted player as an “outstanding talent,” calling him one of the “best South American players of his age group.” Lerma has made a total of 20 junior international appearances, scoring seven goals.

Scoring goals is also something he has set out to do in Dortmund. Finding the net in front of the “Yellow Wall” at Signal Iduna Park would be “a dream,” Lerma reveals, adding: “I hope I can do it and bring the Dortmund fans a lot of joy.” The 18-year-old says he wants to be in top form when preparations for the new season begin.

Looking forward to World Cup clash

The Black and Yellows paid four million euros to Independiente del Valle. He made his debut for the two-time national champions in Ecuador’s Serie A at just 15 years old. He now has 43 professional appearances to his name, scoring twice and providing two assists. Despite his young age, he has already gained plenty of international experience in the Copa Libertadores and the Copa Sudamericana.

Photo: IMAGO

When Ecuador face Germany in the World Cup on Thursday (25 June, 10 p.m. CEST), he will be rooting for his home country. “It will be a very nice game, a very difficult game,” Lerma says, looking forward to the clash between “two very good teams.”

There is a lot at stake for Ecuador, who are still without a goal so far. To still reach the round of 32, the South Americans need a win. Lerma is therefore also hoping for three points. “With a bit of luck, of course,” he adds with a wink.

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