Bournemouth sign Colombia’s Lerma in record deal

LONDON: Bournemouth have finally captured Colombia central midfielder Jefferson Lerma from Levante on a five-year deal for a club record fee, the Premier League team announced on Tuesday.

The 23-year-old, whose transfer is subject to international clearance, played in all of Colombia’s games at this year’s World Cup in Russia, including the last 16 loss to England.

The transfer fee for Lerma was not disclosed, but British media reported that he was moving for £25 million (RM131 million), which beats the previous record of £20 million the club paid for Dutch defender Nathan Ake from Chelsea last year.

“The transfer has been very long because it took a while for the clubs to reach an agreement, but the most important thing is that I am here now and everyone got what they wanted in the end,” Lerma told the club website.

“I have always loved the Premier League style of football and am very happy to have this opportunity. I am looking forward to success and doing important things for this club.”

Lerma started out with Colombian side Atletico Huila and joined Spanish Liga club Levante in 2015, initially on loan, playing 93 games in all competitions and scoring three goals.

He made his Colombia debut in November 2017, featuring nine times so far, and played at the 2016 Olympics.

“Jefferson is an extremely talented player and a very good athlete who will bring a different type of play to our midfield,” said Cherries manager Eddie Howe.

He is the club’s third close-season signing after Sheffield United midfielder David Brooks and Leganes full-back Diego Rico.

Bournemouth chief executive Neill Blake added: “It hasn’t been easy and we have had to be patient, but we have got our man and it is a huge statement for this club.”