Bournemouth have signed Jefferson Lerma from Levante for a club record fee of £25 million. Lerma joins the Cherries on a five year deal, being Bournemouth’s third signing of the transfer window after they signed David Brooks and Diego Rico.
Jefferson Lerma has international experience for his native Colombia, as he has played 14 games for his country, having played in all of Colombia’s matches in the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Here’s what Eddie Howe has had to say about the transfer of Lerma:
“It’s no secret that Jefferson has been someone we have chased for a while this summer. It’s been a complicated deal but I am certain it will be worth all the hard work that people have put in to make this happen. Jefferson is an extremely talented player and a very good athlete who will bring a different type of play to our midfield.”
Fantasy Premier League Potential (4.5m)
Prior to Levante, Lerma played 84 games with Colombian side, Atletico Huila, scoring 6 goals across 3 seasons. His move to Levante was prior to the 2015/16 La Liga season and he went on to make 89 appearances, scoring just 3 goals.
Lerma made 26 La Liga appearances last season, registering just one assist and although he did not find the back of the net, he did have 27 shots and created 19 chances. That said, the defensive midfielder is not known for his goals and he should help solidify the defence of the Cherries, improving the clean sheet potential. He will however have to improve his disciplinary record if he is to be considered in FPL, with 16 yellow cards last season. During the 2017/18 season, Lerma registered 35 tackles and 49 interceptions, more than any Bournemouth player.
Bournemouth’s next five games are; West Ham (A), Everton (H), Chelsea (A), Leicester (H) and Burnley (H). A mixed bag, but that said, with Lerma being a defensive midfielder, it is unlikely that he will produce too many fantasy points, however he should make the Bournemouth’s defensive options a little more attractive.
