By Rune Gjerulff@runegjerulff

Dortmund announce signing of Ecuadorian youngster

16-year-old Justin Lerma will be joining Borussia Dortmund for the 2026/27 season.
Article image
Photo: Borussia Dortmund

Borussia Dortmund have sealed the capture of 16-year-old Justin Lerma from Ecuadorian first division club Independiente del Valle.

The young midfielder will join Dortmund for the 2026/27 season once he has turned 18 and will remain at his home club until then. 

“We have been following Justin for some time and have been in close contact with the player and his family ever since,” said Borussia Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehl. 

“Justin stands out as one of the best players in his age group in South America and we are happy to have secured an exceptional talent for Borussia Dortmund.” 

Lerma has played two games in Ecuador's top division, where he made his debut at the age of 15.

Bundesliga news

Kickfieber

Match days

German Teams in Europe

DFB-Pokal

German National Team

Long reads

Exclusive interviews

Team News

Bundesliga - Dortmund - FreiburgBundesliga - Hoffenheim - RB LeipzigBundesliga - Leverkusen - HeidenheimBundesliga - Stuttgart - BochumBundesliga - Wolfsburg - Union BerlinBundesliga - Frankfurt - Bremen