Four years ago AFC Bournemouth broke their record transfer fee paid for Colombia international Jefferson Lerma.
That record, which was officially undisclosed but widely reported around the £25million mark, still stands with Lerma signing a five-year deal which runs through to the end of the current 2022/23 Premier League campaign.
He has enjoyed two seasons in the Premier League previously and more recently two campaigns in the second tier of English football, which ultimately ended with automatic promotion in May.
In all competitions, Lerma has made 148 appearances to-date including 64 games in the top flight.
Will this prove to be his final year on the south coast or in English football?
Asked if the Cherries have opened talks with Lerma over a new contract, AFC Bournemouth head coach Scott Parker told the Daily Echo…
“I think there is. We are in talks for that. He is certainly a player we want to try and keep at the club.
“He is valuable to us in terms of everything about him. I think those conversations are happening…”
“…A player of Jeff’s quality and what he brings as well in terms of that and his qualities, he is vitally important.”
Parker added…
“…You can just tell he is just football intelligent and also what you do know is when he crosses the line he goes into serious battle mode, where you know what you are going to get.
“There’s just a given with Jeff that whatever happens, through bad touches, bad passes, whatever it is there is just a constant given which you know what he builds his game around really.
“For someone like me sitting in my position, that’s gold dust really. I appreciate that from him.”
Your say…
BoscombeCherry wrote…
One of my favourite players in recent years. Absolute commitment and I couldn’t blame him if he wanted a new challenge at the end of his contract. Has always given 100%.
Doofus added…
The Lermanator! Really hope the club can close what would be a great deal for all. He da Man! – Join the conversation, click here.
