Crystal Player urged to leave – Oliver Glasner not using him in correct position

Crystal Palace midfielder Jefferson Lerma’s name keeps circulating around Vasco da Gama. New reports from Brazil and Colombia suggest the situation is more complicated than it first seemed.

Brazilian journalist Jorge Nicola said on his YouTube channel that a deal looks unrealistic. Vasco admire Lerma’s quality, but the figures involved are far too high. The defensive midfielder earns a significant salary and has a contract with Crystal Palace until June 2027. 

Nicola noted that the club’s sporting director, Admar Lopes, targets players who cost less and are not already established stars. Lerma, valued at €10m (£8.4m), does not fit that profile.

On the pitch, Lerma has faced a mixed campaign. He’s appeared in 14 matches for Crystal Palace this season without scoring or assisting. Manager Oliver Glasner has also used him in a deeper role, sometimes as a third centre-back instead of his usual position as a holding midfielder.

That change has worried some people in Colombia’s national team setup. Journalist Gabriel Meluk from Colombian outlet El Tiempo reported that the staff fear his lack of minutes as a midfielder could hurt his chances ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

According to Meluk, they even advised him to move to a club where he can play regularly in his preferred role.

No talks have started between Vasco and Crystal Palace. The player’s uncertain role and national team pressure could shape his future in the coming months.