Diniz calls Lerma with Cuesta’s help, Vasco step up pursuit | OneFootball

Jefferson Lerma's phone rang — and on the other end of the line was Fernando Diniz. The Vasco da Gama coach had already made the first contact with the Colombian midfielder from Crystal Palace, with the help of defender Carlos Cuesta, Lerma's teammate in the Colombian National Team.

According to reports from the NTVascaínos profile and the RTI Esporte Agency, the Rio de Janeiro club recently consulted the player's staff seeking information about a possible negotiation for the next transfer window in January 2026.

Vasco's management contacted agent Javier Piquer López to understand the conditions of a potential agreement. The initial idea would be to have Lerma from June 2026, when his contract with Crystal Palace ends — which would allow for a transfer-free arrival.

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Photo: Publicity.

However, if the Cruz-Maltino wants to bring the player in early 2026, it will be necessary to open direct negotiations with the English club, which shows no interest in releasing him at this time.

Crystal Palace coach Oliver Glasner is expected to include Lerma in the squad for Wednesday's (29) match against Liverpool, in the fourth round of the FA Cup. The number 8 is expected to start the game on the bench.

Sources close to the athlete's staff say there is no rush to decide the midfielder's future, as he may receive more advantageous offers from Europe. Even so, Lerma does not rule out listening to Vasco, which has Fernando Diniz's approval to attempt the signing.

At Palace since 2023, Jefferson Lerma has a contract until June 30, 2026, and earns around 4.2 million euros per year (approximately R$ 22 million), which is equivalent to R$ 1.8 million per month.

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Photo: Publicity.

Revealed by Atlético Huila, the Colombian has built a solid career in Europe, with stints at Levante and Bournemouth, before arriving in English football.

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This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.