Lerma to join Crystal palace as free agent
Bournemouth confirms about Jefferson Lerma to join Crystal palace as free agent as his contract with Bournemouth ends on July 1. Lerma joined the Cherries from Levante for a club-record £25m fee in the summer of 2018, and he went on to make 184 appearances for the club, scoring 12 goals and eight assists.
The Midfielder had featured regular for the south-Coast side during the 2022-23 season, starting 37 if the club’s 38 Premier league games. Eventhough leaving Bournemouth, Lerma will remain in the premier league after agreeing a three-year contract with palace. On the match with Southampton, Crystal palace had a victory in the premier league premises with 2-0 as Ebere Eze double scores on the match.
On speaking about the Club’s official Website, Lerma Said, “I am very happy and excited by this new opportunity. Crystal Palace has good players and a good team, and I want to help with every objective the club has next season.”
Lerma will Strength a Palace Midfielder that has been Weakened by the departures of Luka Milivojevic and James McArthur. The 28 Years old has a Wealth of Premier league experience after making 100 top flight appearences during his time with the cherries.
On the Lerma’s appearance in the club, Palace chairman Steve Parish said “Jefferson is strong additions to our squad. “He is a proven performer at Premier League level, and his combative and competitive nature will endear him to the Palace fans.
“We look forward to welcoming him to the club on 1 July in preparation for our 11th consecutive season in the top flight.”
Palace are yet to decide on a new permanent manager, with Roy Hodgson set to depart when his short-term contract comes to an end. Hodgson returned to the Palace dugout in March, overseeing five wins in 10 matches to guide the Eagles to an 11th-placed finish.
Lerma’s journey over his career
Jefferson Lerma spent five seasons with the Cherries, joining for a club-record £25m from La Liga side Levante in the summer of 2018.
He boasts a wealth of Premier League and international experience, having scored 12 goals in 99 top-flight appearances for Bournemouth, while playing 183 games in total for the Cherries. He also 33 caps for Colombia and has scored one international goal.
Palace are losing two midfielders this summer with captain Luka Milivojevic and James McArthur departing when their deals expire.
Chairman Steve Parish said: “Jefferson is a strong addition to our squad. He is a proven performer at Premier League level, and his combative and competitive nature will endear him to the Palace fans.
“We look forward to welcoming him to the club on 1 July in preparation for our 11th consecutive season in the top flight.”
It is not clear who will be in charge of Crystal Palace next campaign with Roy Hodgson, who led the club to 11th place this term, still expected to step down following his short-term contract.
The midfielder will sign a three-year contract with the Eagles upon the expiration of his current deal with Bournemouth at the end of the month.
The 28-year-old, who was voted the Cherries’ Player of the Season for 2022-23, has made 100 appearances in the Premier League – scoring eight goals and providing two assists.
On the move, Columbia international Lerma said: “I am very happy and excited by this new opportunity. Crystal Palace has good players and a good team, and I want to help with every objective the club has next season.”
Lerma’s career on the final season
Lerma scored Bournemouth’s first goal of the season during Premier League opening match-day as his team went on to defeat Aston Villa 2–0. Consequently, Lerma’s goal became the fastest scored by a newly promoted side at one minute and 56 seconds.
On October 15, Lerma scored his second goal of the season in a 2–2 draw at Fulham. He scored his third Premier League goal of the season on 25 February 2023, Bournemouth’s sole goal in a 1–4 home defeat to Manchester City.
On 30 April, he scored two goals in four first half minutes of a 4–1 home win against Leeds United. On 31 May, it was announced that Lerma would leave Bournemouth after five years at the club.
