BVB mulls loan for 18‑year‑old midfielder Justin Lerma amid squad clash

BVB is reportedly weighing a Leihe for its 18‑year‑old Neuzugang midfielder Justin Lerma, as the new signing struggles for Einsatzzeit amid a fierce Konkurrenzkampf, though an Alternative to a loan remains on the table. The club has reinforced its Kader this Sommer, but the midfield positions are already crowded.

Ein Neuzugang arrived as Borussia Dortmund bolstered its Kader during the Sommer, adding players across several Positionen. The influx of Neuzugänge has turned the competition for midfield spots into a Problem for some newcomers.

Justin Lerma moved from Independiente to Dortmund for around vier Millionen Euro. After a promising Beginn, the 18‑year‑old awaits regular Einsatzzeit to prove his worth.

In the first Testspiel against Rot‑Weiß Oberhausen (3‑1) the Ecuadorian impressed, but Nach the subsequent fixtures versus FC Arsenal (3‑2) and AS Rom (2‑2) the offensive Mittelfeldspieler saw no minutes. He was the only talent from the professional squad left out of both matches.

Trainer Niko Kovac stressed that Lerma still needs Zeit to develop. “We cannot bring everyone. He needs more time and that is normal,” he told the WAZ, adding that physical conditioning and language barriers also require attention. He also mentioned that Lerma’s slight frame means the staff must work on adding weight and improving his fitness.

The situation grew tougher after the signing of Joey Veerman, a 27‑year‑old who also offers a solution for the Mittelfeld and raises the Konkurrenz for the already well‑stocked Position. Veerman’s arrival therefore intensifies the Konkurrenzkampf for any young Mittelfeldspieler seeking minutes, adding pressure on the club’s pool of Mittelfeldspielers.

Loan possibility

According to the WAZ, BVB is contemplating a Leihe for Lerma, hoping a different club can provide the regular Spielpraxis he needs to adapt to European football. Such a move would give the Ecuadorian U20‑Nationalspieler valuable minutes away from Dortmund.

Alternative development route

Eine Entscheidung has not yet been made; Lerma could also remain in Dortmund, initially featuring more prominently with the U23 side before a gradual integration into the first team. This pathway would allow him to build fitness and gain experience without leaving the club.