In April 2024 at the age of fifteen he was promoted to the Independiente del Valle's first team.
He was an unused substitute in Copa Libertadores group stage match against San Lorenzo on 10 April 2024.
[2] He was 15 and because of his appearance and a well-developed physique for his age, thousands of users have joked about whether he is really 15 years old or not.
[3] He made his professional debut with Independiente Del Valle in a 2–2 Ecuadorian Serie A draw with Universidad Católica on 14 April 2024.
[4][5] In May 2024, Lerma's transfer to German top club Borussia Dortmund was announced.