Crystal Palace midfielder Jefferson Lerma has been spotted in Valencia at a very interesting time. Two clubs from the Spanish city are now linked with a January move.
The 31-year-old was seen there on Wednesday, during this international break. That’s right after he specifically asked to sit out of Colombia’s squad.
Lerma’s reason for that request was a foot problem. He’s supposedly still recovering from inflammation after being stepped on. He even played 45 minutes against Leeds United despite not being 100% fit.
That may well be exactly what’s happening. Still, a case of transferitis can’t be completely ruled out when a player misses international duty and then turns up in the exact city where two clubs are interested in signing him.
Valencia and Levante both interested
Radio Marca Valencia reported on Wednesday that Lerma had been spotted in the city. Then, local reports from El Gol Digital and La Colina de Nervión have emerged regarding interest from Valencia and Levante.
Both clubs are said to be keeping an eye on his situation ahead of January. There are no negotiations or concrete offers at this stage, so his presence in Valencia isn’t proof of transfer talks… But it’s quite a coincidence.
Still, the timing makes it worth watching. Valencia had already looked at Lerma earlier this year. At the time, his Crystal Palace contract appeared to be coming to an end. Their circumstances have since changed too.
Former México coach Javier Aguirre recently took charge at Mestalla after a dreadful start to the season. Valencia sit second bottom with four points from seven matches, and Lerma’s experience would certainly bring something different to their midfield.
Levante, meanwhile, know him very well. The Colombian spent three seasons there after arriving from Atlético Huila in 2015. He helped them return to La Liga. Eventually, he left for Bournemouth in a deal worth more than €30m (£26m).
Palace situation gives January links some weight
Crystal Palace made sure Lerma couldn’t simply walk away for free by extending his contract until 2027. Therefore, Valencia or Levante would have to negotiate with the Eagles if they wanted him in January.
Now Lerma was left out of Palace’s Europa League squad by Pierre Sage. He was also absent against Everton and remained on the bench against Manchester City before playing those 45 minutes against Leeds.
His latest absence from Colombia is different. He then personally asked Néstor Lorenzo to leave him out of Colombia’s latest squad, reportedly so he could recover from the inflammation in his foot. But then he’s turned up in Valencia.
Given his reduced role at Crystal Palace and reported interest from both Valencia clubs, though, the timing of this trip is hard to ignore.
