Crystal Palace’s Jefferson Lerma has renewed his contract, according to Colombian football expert Pipe Sierra. Palace triggered the club option to extend his deal by one year, but reports were emerging suggesting that Lerma’s entourage were pushing for improved terms, and hinting that they could push for a return to Spain should a deal not be offered. 

The report suggests that Lerma has signed a new two year deal with the club, which will keep Lerma in South London until 2028. 

Lerma already has the most appearances for a Colombian in the Premier League, and will play his tenth season in the league should he stay until the final year of his new deal. 

Whilst his performances did begin to drop off at times last season, Lerma has always been a reliable figure for Palace. His performances in central defence stand out, most notably the 40 minutes he played in the FA Cup final when Marc Guéhi went off injured.

After Guéhi’s departure, and Lacroix leaving this summer, Palace have lost key leadership figures in the squad and are yet to replace them. Holding on to a player like Lerma sees the club maintain a key figure, and a player who can still contribute in the coming season. 

Despite not necessarily being considered a key player for the last two years, Lerma has consistently featured every season. 

119 appearances in the last three seasons, covering a range of positions on the pitch, Lerma has always been reliable when called upon. As he continues to age, it is likely we see him drop deeper on the pitch, and he may end up contributing more often in central defence than he will in midfield. 

Palace are continuing to search for reinforcements in both midfield and central defence, but Lerma can provide adequate cover for the plethora of competitions that Palace will be competing in this season. 

He featured as a consistent starter for Colombia at the World Cup, and he started 22 games across the Premier League and Conference League last season too. 

Signed on a free transfer from Bournemouth, Lerma has been one of the most shrewd pieces of business the club have completed in the past seasons, and still has more to offer to Pierre Sage. 

As things stand before defensive reinforcements have been bought in, Lerma can offer an option for Sage when rotating the likes of Canvot, Riad and Richards, and whilst a new signing is still needed, having Lerma and Tomiyasu as rotation options is strong depth for what will be another demanding season.