Jefferson Lerma

On August 13, 2015, Levante UD of Spain's La Liga announced the signing of Jefferson Lerma on loan from Atlético Huila. Lerma quickly established himself as a key player in the midfield, known for his aggressive tackling and high work rate. His performances for Levante earned him a permanent transfer, highlighting his impact in one of the top European leagues and improving his reputation as a reliable midfielder capable of competing at the highest level.

Jefferson Lerma scored his first goal for Levante UD on October 25, 2015, in a match against Real Sociedad, becoming an instant fan favorite. His goal was crucial in securing a 2-2 draw, showcasing his ability to contribute not only defensively but also offensively when necessary. This performance solidified Lerma's position in the starting eleven, and his tenacity and competitive nature continued to earn him recognition throughout the league.

As of July 1, 2016, Jefferson Lerma's move to Levante UD became permanent following a successful loan spell. The transfer fee was reported to be around €600,000, a testament to his consistent performances. Lerma's role as a versatile and energetic midfielder contributed significantly to Levante's campaign, and he quickly became a cornerstone in their squad. His ability to break up play and transition the ball effectively made him a valued asset for the club.

On August 7, 2018, Jefferson Lerma completed a move to English Premier League side AFC Bournemouth for a club-record fee of around £25 million. This transfer marked a significant step in Lerma's career as he transitioned to one of the most competitive leagues in the world. Bournemouth's manager cited Lerma's defensive capabilities and box-to-box presence as key reasons for the acquisition. Lerma's tenacity, high energy, and strong tackling abilities were seen as critical additions to Bournemouth's midfield.

Jefferson Lerma scored an important goal for the Colombian national team on November 15, 2019, in a friendly match against Peru. The game ended 1-0 in favor of Colombia, with Lerma's header finding the net in the dying minutes of the match. This performance highlighted Lerma's ability to contribute on an international level, showcasing his aerial prowess and timing. The win further established Lerma as a vital component of Colombia's midfield, able to influence matches on both defensive and offensive ends.

On July 26, 2020, AFC Bournemouth was relegated from the Premier League after a five-year stay, following their 3-1 win over Everton which was not enough to avoid the drop due to results elsewhere. Jefferson Lerma, a key figure in Bournemouth's midfield throughout the season, was noted for his consistent performances despite the team's struggles. His aggressive style and dedication were crucial in many matches, although ultimately insufficient to keep Bournemouth in the Premier League.

Jefferson Lerma played an essential role in helping AFC Bournemouth reach the Championship play-offs on May 8, 2021. His determination and midfield dominance throughout the season were instrumental as Bournemouth finished sixth in the league, securing the final play-off spot. Lerma's ability to break up opposition play and his leadership on the pitch were critical in guiding Bournemouth's push for promotion back to the Premier League.

On March 29, 2022, Jefferson Lerma returned to action for the Colombian national team in a World Cup qualifying match against Bolivia, following a six-month ban issued by FIFA. Lerma had been fined and banned for an off-the-ball incident during a previous international fixture. His return was marked by a solid performance in midfield, helping Colombia to a crucial 3-0 victory that kept their World Cup qualification hopes alive.

Jefferson Lerma helped AFC Bournemouth secure promotion to the Premier League on May 7, 2023, after a successful campaign in the EFL Championship. Lerma was a central figure in midfield, contributing significantly to Bournemouth's push for the top flight with his defensive tenacity, leadership, and occasional goals from midfield. His performances were key to Bournemouth finishing in the automatic promotion spots, and his experience was vital throughout the season.

On June 16, 2023, Crystal Palace announced the signing of Jefferson Lerma on a free transfer following his departure from AFC Bournemouth. Lerma chose to remain in the Premier League, taking on a new challenge with Crystal Palace. His arrival was welcomed by the Palace fans, with the club's management praising his experience, competitive nature, and ability to add steel to their midfield. Lerma's addition was seen as a strategic move to bolster the squad's depth and quality.