Jefferson Lerma - Soccer News, Rumors, & Updates

Eases back in after World Cup Lerma has come on as a substitute in each of Crystal Palace's last two Premier League matches following his return from Colombia's World Cup run.

Impact Lerma is being eased back into the rotation after playing every minute of Colombia's run to the World Cup round of 16, a tournament in which he totaled five shots and 248 passes over 412 minutes before a penalty shootout exit against Switzerland. He entered in the 84th minute against Ipswich Town on September 12 and came on for Takehiro Tomiyasu in the 46th minute of the draw at Leeds United on September 20, logging roughly 50 minutes across the two outings without a goal or assist. Palace's midfield features plenty of competition with Adam Wharton and Daichi Kamada both preferred in the starting lineup, but Lerma's experience and physicality should still push him toward regular involvement once his tournament fatigue clears. His workload should keep expanding over the next several matches as new manager Pierre Sage manages his return to full sharpness.

SEPTEMBER 22 • ROTOWIRE

Active in shootout defeat Lerma recorded two tackles (one won) and three interceptions in Tuesday's 0-0 (4-3) penalty shootout loss against Switzerland.

Impact Lerma was once again involved in a variety of actions, complementing his defensive output with 54 accurate passes during his last match in the 2026 World Cup. The holding midfielder finished the tournament with five shots, 248 passes, four chances created and eight clearances over 412 minutes of play, serving as an undisputed starter for Colombia.

JULY 7 • ROTOWIRE

Completes 62 passes Lerma registered one cross (one accurate) and one chance created in Friday's 1-0 victory against Ghana.

Impact Lerma was on the field for the entire match Friday as Colombia earned the win. He would not see his most productive day, as the midfielder only recorded a cross and a chance created. He still has yet to miss a start this World Cup, as he appears set to remain a starter for the round of 16. However, he is more of a defensive midfielder, cutting his value quite a bit.

JULY 3 • ROTOWIRE

Gets one shot on target Lerma registered two shots (one on goal) in Saturday's 0-0 draw versus Portugal.

Impact Lerma played 60 minutes on Saturday, creating four chances while maintaining a strong 90 percent pass accuracy. It was the first match of the tournament in which he did not go the full 90, but he still closed the group stage with steady two-way production. Across the three matches, he registered five shots, created two chances, won 13 duels, and made eight clearances, consistently controlling the center of the pitch on both the attacking and defensive sides. His reliability in midfield remains one of Colombia's key strengths heading into the knockout rounds.

JUNE 27 • ROTOWIRE

Limited involvement in win Lerma generated two clearancesand one interception in Tuesday's 1-0 victory over DR Congo. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 94th minute.

Impact Lerma was Colombia's least involved player on the night, operating in a deep defensive role that kept him largely out of the game. With little defensive work to show beyond two clearances and one interception, it was one of those nights where his presence was more about holding the shape than making a visible impact. He picked up his first yellow card of the tournament and had one chance created to his name.

JUNE 24 • ROTOWIRE

Defensive anchor in midfield Lerma registered three shots (zero on goal) and one chance created in Wednesday's 3-1 victory versus Uzbekistan.

Impact Lerma provided defensive stability in Colombia's midfield throughout the match, helping shield the back line as Uzbekistan grew into the game after Abbosbek Fayzullayev's equalizer on the hour mark. His positioning and ball-winning were important in helping Colombia regain control following a spell of pressure from the Uzbek side. Lerma's experience will be valuable as Colombia look to manage similar moments of adversity in future group games. The midfielder ended the game with three shots, five clearances and two blocks, highlighting how influencial he can be in both sides of the pitch for the Cafeteros.

JUNE 18 • ROTOWIRE

Defensive rock in engine room Lerma has been named in Colombia's World Cup squad and is expected to be the defensive anchor at the base of Colombia's midfield throughout the competition.

Impact Lerma made 31 Premier League appearances for Crystal Palace this season, contributing two assists across 1,725 minutes while providing the tireless defensive work and physical presence that makes him such a valuable presence in the middle of the park. Lerma's combination of strength, reading of the game and ability to break up opposition play makes him the ideal defensive foundation that allows the more creative players around him to express themselves, and his UEFA Conference League winner's medal with Palace underlines his quality in big moments. Lerma heads into the World Cup as an indispensable figure in Colombia's midfield structure and one of the most experienced players in the squad.

MAY 30 • ROTOWIRE

Own goal Sunday Lerma registered an own goal, two clearances and two interceptions in Sunday's 3-0 loss against AFC Bournemouth.

Impact Lerma would have a rough start to Sunday's match, as the midfielder would score an own goal in the 10th minute for the opening goal in their eventual loss. He would do little to recover as his club gave up two more goals, recording two interceptions and two clearances in the defense while notching one chance created in the attack.

MAY 4 • ROTOWIRE

Jefferson Lerma's own goal gifts Bournemouth early lead over Palace | Premier League

MAY 3 • YOUTUBE

Three shots Monday Lerma registered three shots (one on goal), one cross (one accurate) and one chance created in Monday's 0-0 draw versus West Ham United.

Impact Lerma tied a season high with three shots in Monday's draw, and he put one on target, the lone on-target shot by Crystal Palace in the match. He also recorded one accurate cross and one chance created on the attack. He kept his sixth clean sheet of the season as well, contributing one interception, one clearance and one blocked shot in his full 90 minutes of action.

APRIL 21 • ROTOWIRE

Option from bench Lerma (undisclosed) is on the bench for Thursday's match against Tottenham.

Impact Lerma was expected to return for Thursday's match against Spurs, and that has come to fruition, with the midfielder landing on the bench. He was previously serving as a center-back before the injury, earning five straight starts between that spot and the midfield. The question moving forward is whether his versatility will provide him more time moving forward, although the defense does appear to be at full health again.

MARCH 5 • ROTOWIRE

Back available Thursday Lerma (undisclosed) is back available for Thursday's clash against Tottenham but is not ready to start and could be limited to around 15 minutes, according to coach Oliver Glasner....

Impact Lerma is back available for Thursday's clash against Tottenham after missing the last four matches across all competitions due to injury, though he is not ready to start and could be limited to around 15 minutes. The versatile midfielder had been a starter prior to the setback and is likely to gradually reclaim his spot in the back line as he regains full match fitness. Chadi Riad or Nathaniel Clyne are the main candidates to start in the back line.

MARCH 4 • ROTOWIRE

Expected to miss three weeks Lerma has picked up an injury that will sideline him for upcoming contests, with manager Oliver Glasner saying "Jeff Lerma had to go off against Burnley . We're expecting to miss h...

Impact Lerma left the last Premier League matchup after recording an assist and an own goal, but he ended up dealing with a considerable issue. The defensive midfielder, who has recently been deployed at center-back, was a regular member of the lineup in recent games. Chadi Riad could be selected as his replacement unless Palace switch to a back-four formation.

FEBRUARY 18 • ROTOWIRE

Assist and own goal Lerma assisted once to go with an own goal, one cross (one accurate) and one chance created in Wednesday's 3-2 loss to Burnley. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 36th...

Impact Lerma endured a rollercoaster outing in Wednesday's match against Burnley, first delivering a superb cross to assist Jorgen Strand Larsen before scoring an own goal just before halftime. The Colombian, who has recently secured a starting role, has tallied 18 tackles, 16 interceptions and 46 clearances across 23 appearances this season.

FEBRUARY 12 • ROTOWIRE

Starts after concussion Lerma (concussion) is in the starting XI for Saturday's clash against Sunderland.

Impact Lerma returns to the starting lineup after being cleared from concussion protocol ahead of Saturday's match against the Black Cats. He had missed the club's previous outing due to the head injury but is now fully available again. With the defender fit, he resumes his role in the starting XI after previously holding that spot before being sidelined.

JANUARY 17 • ROTOWIRE

Out of protocol Lerma (concussion) is an option for Saturday's match against Sunderland, according to manager Oliver Glasner. "Jefferson can play again tomorrow. He has trained this week."

Impact Lerma had been out of the club's last match as he entered concussion protocol, but is now an option again, cleared of the head injury. He has previously been in a starting role before the concussion and will probably fall back to that spot with the defense fit again, returning to more of a depth option between midfield and defense.

JANUARY 16 • ROTOWIRE

Out with concussion Lerma (concussion) is out for Wednesday's match against Aston Villa, according to Manager Oliver Glasner. "Jefferson is out because of the concussion. He will follow the concussion...

Impact Lerma is not going to be with the team for their midweek match after his first half exit last time out, as the midfielder has entered concussion protocol, forcing him out at least a game. The club has leaned on the midfielder to start in the defense in their past three games, so this is a tough loss, although they are gaining back Chris Richards, who should earn the start in his place. Lerma is planning to return next match when facing Sunderland on Jan. 17, likely to return to a bench role if the defense remains fit.

JANUARY 6 • ROTOWIRE

Picks up injury Lerma was forced off in the 38th minute of Sunday's match against Newcastle due to an apparent injury.

Impact Lerma would last until just before halftime Sunday before he finally had to leave the field, going down a few times before an injury ended his day. He was already covering for an injured Chris Richards (ankle), so this is something to monitor. He was replaced by Jaydee Convot, who will likely earn more time if he continues on the sidelines.

JANUARY 4 • ROTOWIRE

Three crosses in Sunday's loss Lerma generated three crosses (zero accurate) and two chances created in Sunday's 1-0 loss against Tottenham Hotspur. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 85th minute.

Impact Lerma made his way back into the starting XI Sunday although he did so as a center back in Palace's back three. He was surprisingly invovled in the attack despite his position, finishing the match with three crosses (all inaccurate) and two chances created. He was solid on the defensive end too, winning four duels, making two clearances and intercepting two passes in his full 90 minutes of action. With Chris Richards (ankle) questionable for Thursday's match at Fulham, Lerma could be in line to make another start on the back line.

DECEMBER 29, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

First league assist Lerma assisted once to go with one shot (zero on goal), two crosses (one accurate) and one chance created in Saturday's 2-0 win against Brentford.

Impact Lerma stepped in for Adam Wharton (illness) for his second league start and made the most of it, registering his first assist and earning the Man of the Match award. He has created just two chances in league play while attempting seven shots and four crosses. His role this season has largely been as a substitute in midfield and as defensive cover when required.

NOVEMBER 3, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Solid in midfield Lerma assisted once in 33 appearances (26 starts) in the Premier League.

Impact Lerma played a big role, largely playing box-to-box minutes behind the more attacking midfield options. He occasionally slipped into the back-three as well to provide coverage for injuries. While Lerma might not be the preferred starting option ahead of players like Adam Wharton, his ability to play everywhere has kept him as an important piece of the squad. Lerma is heading into the final year of his contract but should remain a large contributor, wherever he's needed in the team.

JUNE 2, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Records assist Lerma assisted once to go with two crosses (one accurate) and one chance created in Wednesday's 1-1 draw versus Southampton.

Impact Lerma will finish Crystal Palace's ongoing season with an assist to his name, making it back-to-back years he has directly contributed to a goal without scoring one. Since Jan. 26, the midfielder has logged 18 clearances, eight interceptions and six tackles won in seven appearances.

APRIL 3, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Recovers from illness Lerma (illness) is in the starting XI for Sunday's clash against Brentford.

Impact Lerma returns after missing last week's match against West Ham through injury. A regular starter when fit, Lerma replaces Daichi Kamada in midfield Sunday.

JANUARY 26, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Out Saturday Lerma (illness) is out for Saturday's trip to West Ham, according to manager Oliver Glasner."Lerma is not available tomorrow - he is sick - but all the others who played at Leicest...

Impact Lerma had to come off with an illness during a clash with Leicester, and is now out for Saturday's match. That could mean Checick Doucoure is straight back in the starting XI in holding midfield for Saturday's match with West Ham.

JANUARY 17, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

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