Crystal Palace are reportedly expected to offer Jefferson Lerma a contract extension ahead of his current deal expiring this summer. The veteran defensive midfielder has been at Selhurst Park since the summer of 2023.
Lerma recently returned from a brief spell on the sidelines and started in a 0-0 draw against Leeds United last Sunday (March 15th). He is one of three players whose contracts are up in June.
Daichi Kamada has reportedly already decided he will be following Oliver Glasner out of the club. But the Eagles are keen to ensure Lerma doesn’t depart alongside the Japanese midfielder.
Lerma to stay
Lerma might not be a regular starter for Glasner, but he is an important member of his squad. His versatility has seen him play in his preferred central midfield role as well as in defence.
The 31-year-old has appeared 36 times across competitions this season, posting six assists. He joined the South Londoners as a free agent after leaving Bournemouth three summers ago.
According to former Premier League scout Mick Brown, Palace are likely to trigger the one-year option in Lerma’s deal. He told Football Insider:
“Players like Lerma are key to what Crystal Palace are doing. They have their star players, the exciting ones, like Adam Wharton, Maxence Lacroix, Dean Henderson, who are going to start every week.”
Brown suggested the club value the Colombian’s versatility:
“But having a reliable player like Lerma who is ready to come in when needed is so valuable. He started in that game against Leeds when they needed to rest Wharton and [Daichi] Kamada.”
He added:
“He’s versatile enough to play in midfield or at the back, always puts in a solid performance and has plenty of experience in the Premier League.”
| Jefferson Lerma (Premier League 2025-26) | Statistic |
|---|---|
| Appearances (starts): | 24 (13) |
| Goals: | 0 |
| Assists: | 2 |
| Big chances created: | 2 |
| Interceptions: | 0.7 |
| Tackles per game: | 0.8 |
| Ground duels won: | 1.5 (47%) |
| Aerial duels won: | 2.2 (59%) |
This summer will be an important one with a new manager set to succeed Glasner. Having experienced players such as Lerma in the squad could be vital for whoever is at the helm next season.
Who else is out of contract?
Palace are in control of the situation regarding Lerma’s future because of the one-year option in his contract. There has been no indication from the player that he wants to depart Selhurst Park.
That’s not the case with Kamada, who is seemingly ready to call time on his two-year spell in South London. The 29-year-old will be a big miss, and Steve Parish will likely be tasking his transfer chiefs with signing a replacement.
Nathaniel Clyne is also out of contract in June, and the veteran English full-back seems likely to be departing. The 34-year-old has struggled for game time this season, appearing 11 times across competitions.
