Dortmund Beat Rot-Weiß Oberhausen as Teen Loanee Yamamoto and Prospect Lerma Shine

Overview

• Dortmund won 3-1 in a pre-season friendly on Saturday with goals from Justin Lerma, Serhou Guirassy and 18-year-old Takato Yamamoto.
• Yamamoto joined on a season-long loan from Gamba Osaka to Dortmund’s U23/Regionalliga West side but scored after coming on and Kovac left first-team chances open if he continues to impress.
• Kovac praised both teenagers for their potential and said they will need to learn the club’s system and improve in training before any permanent first-team role is considered.
• The coaching staff described Lerma as a longer-term prospect rather than an immediate replacement for departed attackers and confirmed the club is actively seeking upgrades after recent exits.
• Dortmund will use higher-profile tests at the Emirates Cup against Arsenal and AS Roma and a Japan tour to further evaluate young signings and guide transfer or promotion decisions.