Crystal Palace have finally secured Jefferson Lerma’s future after months of uncertainty, with the midfielder agreeing a new contract at Selhurst Park.
Colombian journalist Pipe Sierra reports Lerma has renewed his deal for another two years. That would keep the 31-year-old at Crystal Palace until June 2028.
It’s quite a turnaround from where this story appeared to be heading only a few months ago.
Lerma now staying until 2028
Jefferson Lerma looked close to leaving Crystal Palace earlier this year. Cadena SER reported in May that he had rejected a renewal proposal and was considering his options elsewhere.
There was interest from Spain, with Valencia and Sevilla among the clubs linked. Reports in Colombia also suggested Palace’s attempts to keep him might have come too late.
The Eagles then activated an existing clause which extended his contract until 2027. That protected Palace from losing him on a free transfer, although it didn’t completely remove the possibility of a summer exit.
Sierra says Lerma has agreed another two years with Crystal Palace, taking his stay through to June 2028. That suggests both sides have now found terms they are happy with.
It also means the Colombian should have the opportunity to extend an impressive record in English football.
Ten years in England
Jefferson Lerma is already the Colombian with the most Premier League appearances in history, something Sierra highlights alongside the contract news.
The midfielder first arrived in England when Bournemouth signed him from Levante in 2018. He then joined Crystal Palace on a free transfer in 2023.
Should he remain until the end of his new deal, Lerma will complete ten seasons in English football.
There had previously been plenty of talk about him seeking one final major contract before starting his retirement plan. This look like it. In the end, Crystal Palace will be the club giving him that security.
After months in which an exit appeared very possible, Palace have managed to keep him for another two years.
