Jefferson Lerma agrees new Crystal Palace contract until 2028

Jefferson Lerma has reportedly agreed a new two-year contract with Crystal Palace, ending months of uncertainty surrounding his future at Selhurst Park.

Colombian journalist Pipe Sierra reports that Lerma has renewed his deal through to June 2028, representing a significant turnaround after the midfielder appeared increasingly likely to leave earlier this year.

The agreement provides Palace with greater security over an experienced member of their squad while extending Lerma's long spell in English football.

Lerma's future had been uncertain since May, when Cadena SER reported that he had rejected a previous contract proposal from Palace and was considering alternatives.

Valencia and Sevilla were among the Spanish clubs linked with the Colombian, while reports in his homeland suggested Palace may have acted too late to convince him to stay.

The Eagles subsequently activated an existing clause extending his contract until 2027.

That protected Palace against losing Lerma on a free transfer but did not completely eliminate the possibility of a summer move.

According to Sierra, the situation has now been resolved with an agreement keeping the midfielder at Selhurst Park for another two years.

Remaining at Palace also gives Lerma the opportunity to strengthen his place in Colombian Premier League history.

The 31-year-old is already the Colombian with the most Premier League appearances, having first moved to England when Bournemouth signed him from Levante in 2018.

He spent five years with Bournemouth before joining Crystal Palace on a free transfer in 2023.

If Lerma remains in England throughout his new agreement, he would reach ten seasons in English football.

There had previously been suggestions that the midfielder wanted to secure another significant contract before eventually considering retirement. Palace now appear to have provided the long-term security he was seeking.

Lerma can now concentrate on the new season with his future seemingly resolved after months of uncertainty.

Crystal Palace have secured an experienced midfielder for another two years, while Lerma has the opportunity to extend his Premier League appearance record and potentially complete a decade in English football.