Dortmund Consider Loan Move for New Signing Justin Lerma
Borussia Dortmund could already be considering a loan move for Justin Lerma, just weeks after the Ecuadorian midfielder officially joined the German club.
According to WAZ, Dortmund’s management are exploring the possibility of sending Lerma back to his former club, Independiente del Valle, on loan. The move would allow the highly rated youngster to gain regular playing time and continue his development before returning to Germany.
The report suggests Dortmund began considering the option after head coach Niko Kovac opted not to use Lerma in either of the club’s recent pre-season friendlies.
Lerma remained an unused substitute as Dortmund drew 2-2 with AS Roma before also watching from the bench during their 3-2 victory over Arsenal. Kovac subsequently explained that the 18-year-old still needs time to adapt, particularly to the physical demands of German football.
“He still needs time, and that is completely normal. There is also the language barrier,” Kovac said, as quoted by WAZ.
“If you look at him, he is still a little bit skinny. So we have to put a little more weight on him or work on his fitness. This boy is part of the team just like everyone else.”
Competition for a place in Dortmund’s attacking midfield could make Lerma’s path into the first team particularly difficult during the 2026/27 season.
The Bundesliga side have strengthened that area of the squad with the arrivals of Konstantinos Karetsas, Giannis Konstantelias and Joey Veerman, all of whom already have considerable experience playing at a high level in European football.
A temporary return to Independiente del Valle could therefore provide Lerma with the opportunity to play regularly rather than spend an entire season waiting for opportunities at Signal Iduna Park.
Dortmund reached an agreement to sign Lerma as early as May 2024. However, the Ecuadorian was unable to officially join the German club until July 2026 due to FIFA regulations prohibiting the international transfer of players under the age of 18.
Lerma has since signed a long-term contract with Dortmund that runs until 2031, underlining the club’s belief in his potential.
The teenager had already made history in Ecuador before his move to Germany, making his top-flight debut for Independiente del Valle at just 15 years old.
For now, Dortmund appear to view Lerma as a long-term project rather than an immediate first-team option. A loan spell back in Ecuador could ultimately become the next step in his development as the highly rated midfielder adjusts to the demands of European football.
