Borussia Dortmund are reportedly considering the sale of Ecuadorian U-20 international Justin Lerma this winter, mere months after his arrival at the German club. The potential move comes amidst a challenging start to his tenure, marked by regulatory hurdles and fitness concerns.
Complications Hinder Lerma’s Dortmund Start
Lerma, who joined Borussia Dortmund from Independente in the summer, has faced significant obstacles in settling into life in Germany. A primary issue stems from labour law regulations, which currently prevent him from playing for Dortmund’s reserve team in the Regionalliga West. This restriction severely limits his opportunities to gain competitive match experience and integrate into the club’s system.
Beyond the administrative challenges, the 18-year-old also struggled to make an impact during the pre-season period. Head coach Niko Kovač reportedly cited physical deficiencies as a concern, indicating that Lerma had not yet reached the required physical standards to establish himself within the squad.
Injury Setback and Future Uncertainty
Adding to his difficult start, Lerma is currently recovering from a muscle injury. This setback further complicates his immediate future and delays any potential progress on the pitch.
According to reports, Borussia Dortmund are now exploring the possibility of selling the young midfielder during the upcoming winter transfer window. While these are described as ‘initial considerations’, they highlight the club’s assessment of his current situation and the difficulties in integrating him effectively.
For now, the immediate focus for Lerma will be on his recovery from the acute muscle injury. Following his return to fitness, discussions will be held to clarify his further development steps, which could potentially involve a move away from the Signal Iduna Park.