AFC Bournemouth have confirmed that Jefferson Lerma will be leaving on a free transfer this summer with Premier League rivals Crystal Palace reportedly closing in on the Colombia international.
Since the summer of 2021, Crystal Palace have signed only one outfield player over the age of 25; former England and Liverpool ace Nathaniel Clyne.
Jefferson Lerma, then, represents a break from recent tradition. At 28, going on 29, the one-time Levante enforcer is not what you could describe as a ‘typical’ Crystal Palace signing, as far as their recent transfer activity is concerned.
But what he lacks in untapped potential and re-sale value, the tough-tackling midfielder makes up for in personality, experience and proven Premier League quality.
Lerma started all but one of Bournemouth’s 38 Premier League games in 2022/23. He even scored five goals; this the most prolific campaign of his senior career.
Is Jefferson Lerma leaving Bournemouth for Crystal Palace?
“Jefferson has made an outstanding contribution to the club over the past five years,” explains Bournemouth’s chief executive Neil Blake of a man who joined the Cherries for a club-record £25 million deal back in 2018.
“But, during contract negotiations, he has made it clear to us that he seeks a new challenge.
“As both a player and a person, Jefferson has been a key part of our success. While we are naturally disappointed that we won’t see him in an AFC Bournemouth shirt again next season, we thank him for his unwavering commitment.
“We wish him all the best.”
According to talkSPORT, Crystal Palace are currently the favourites to sign Lerma when his deal expires in July. There is, however, interest from the likes of Nottingham Forest, Fulham and a West Ham United side preparing for life without departing captain Declan Rice, per TEAMtalk; a battle for Lerma’s signature still a distinct possibility.
Fulham appear determined to add some steel and nous to their own engine room; Manchester United’s Fred another on Marco Silva’s radar.
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