- Crystal Palace keen to tie Lerma down to extended deal
- Lerma still has player option of further season
- A handy squad member ahead of further European football?
Alan Nixon has revealed that Crystal Palace have offered Colombian midfielder Jefferson Lerma a new deal. The South London club are looking to extend his current contract and add an additional 2-3 seasons.
Lerma currently holds an option to extend his current deal by a season, with his contract set to expire this Summer.
Nixon revealed that Lerma is seen as a key squad member and Palace would be keen to extend his stay for a further two or even three seasons.
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Is Lerma needed at Palace?
Lerma has played 114 times for Palace since he joined from Bournemouth on a free transfer.
Three seasons later, and Lerma has seen unprecedented success in a red and blue shirt, including lifting two trophies and playing a role in Palace’s journey to the Conference League final.
Whilst he has played a consistent part across this season, his performances have started to drop in terms of quality.
His passing has been exposed at times and he has also produced poor performances, however his overall contribution and value to the squad maintains importance and most certainly justifies a new deal.
Midfield reinforcements are expected to come through the doors this Summer, with Middlesbrough’s Hayden Hackney supposedly made Palace’s No.1 target approaching the window.
With previous links to the likes of Kodai Sano, it appears as though Palace are preparing to bolster their midfield options.
With Daichi Kamada set to depart, it’s fair to say that losing Lerma would mean at least 2-3 midfield incomings are needed.
Lerma’s benefit to squad
What the Colombian does offer is experience, leadership and versatility.
At 31 years old, Lerma is unlikely to get another big transfer, so from his perspective, it makes sense to sign a new deal with Palace and continue developing his legacy in South London.
His ability to flex between both midfield and defence allows Glasner and whichever incoming manager to rest players and adapt to the demands of European football.
If Palace win the Conference League final against Rayo Vallecano in just over two weeks’ time, Lerma’s value to the squad will only increase.
Having the experience of both Lerma and midfield teammate Will Hughes with Europa League football on the cards will only enhance Palace’s squad.
However, should Palace fail to win in Leipzig and therefore not have European football to contend with, there may be less need for Palace to keep the likes of Lerma.
