Midfielder, Jefferson Lerma has sealed a free transfer to Crystal Palace on a three-year contract.
Lerma is set to leave Bournemouth upon expiry of his contract on 30 June, having scored 12 goals in 184 appearances for the Cherries during which he helped them claim promotion back to the Premier League in 2021-22 season, having been relegated at end of 2019-20 campaign.
This season proved to be Lerma’s most productive in a Bournemouth shirt as he scored five goals in all competitions, which saw him voted as the club’s Player of the Year with the Cherries having secured their top-flight status.
The Colombia international has now agreed a three-year contract with Palace until June 2026 which will see him stay in the Premier League, with his new deal set to become official on 1 July following expiration of his contract at Bournemouth a day earlier.
Speaking about his decision to join the Eagles, 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.”
Palace Chairman, Steve Parish added: “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 1st July in preparation for our eleventh consecutive season in the top-flight.”
Lerma and Palace will discover their opening opposition for the 2023-24 season at 9am on Thursday 15 June, when the league officially unveils the fixture list in full.
Parish meanwhile is yet to confirm who is officially set to be the club’s new manager with Roy Hodgson rumoured to be in contention to stay on, having returned for the final two months of the season to guide the club to safety in 11th position as interim manager.
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