Evening Standard
·31 May 2023
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Yahoo sportsEvening Standard
·31 May 2023
B
ournemouth have confirmed the departure of Jefferson Lerma, paving the way for his move to Crystal Palace.
Lerma is set to join Palace on a free transfer as they bid to bolster their midfield following the departures of Luka Milivojevic and James McArthur this summer.
The Colombia international leaves Bournemouth after making 183 appearances across five seasons following his £25million move to the club in 2018.
Lerma was named Bournemouth player of the year this season and Bournemouth chief executive Neill Blake said: “Jefferson has made an outstanding contribution to the club over the past five years, but during contract negotiations he has made it clear to us that he seeks a new challenge.
“As both a player and a person, Jefferson has been a key part of our success. While we are naturally disappointed that we won’t see him in an AFC Bournemouth shirt again next season, we thank him for his unwavering commitment and wish him all the best.”