Expert: Crystal Palace plan to accelerate contract talks with 'valuable' first-team star
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(Credit: Imago) Crystal Palace: Jefferson Lerma contract talks accelerate as mass exodus looms Wed 18 March 2026 18:00, UK Crystal Palace are keen to extend Jefferson Lerma’s stay at Selhurst Park as they brace for offers for their best players in the summer transfer window.The 31-year-old’s current contract is set to expire at the end of the season, although the club hold the option of a one-year extension should they opt to trigger it.Any decision will be made after talks with the player to assess his plans, having been a key player this season with 36 appearances across all competitions.Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Crystal Palace value Lerma’s experience, versatility and consistency as key assets.Ahead of what will be a busy transfer window for the Eagles, they are hoping to keep as many key players as possible to avoid too much turmoil.Credit: ImagoBrown told Football Insider on 26 February that Crystal Palace are fearful of a mass exodus of their best players ahead of the summer transfer window. MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES As a result, efforts are being made to keep key players at the club beyond the end of the season as they brace for at least one important star to move on.“Players like Lerma are key to what Crystal Palace are doing,” Brown told Football Insider.“They have their star players, the exciting ones, like Adam Wharton, Maxence Lacroix, Dean Henderson, who are going to start every week.“But having a reliable player like Lerma who is ready to come in when needed is so valuable.“He started in that game against Leeds when they needed to rest Wharton and [Daichi] Kamada.“He’s versatile enough to play in midfield or at the back, always puts in a solid performance and has plenty of experience in the Premier League.“I expect they will be planning to extend his deal and keep him at the club beyond the end of the season, because there’s already enough players who might be leaving.“A lot will depend on what he wants to do, does he want to stay?
They’ll have to sit down with him before making a decision that works for everybody.”Which players could leave Crystal Palace this summer?Among those being linked with a move away from Selhurst Park include the likes of Dean Henderson, Maxence Lacroix, Jean-Philppe Mateta and Adam Wharton.Palace hope to keep at least two or three of those players at the club, although they are aware that big-money offers could force them to let their stars leave.Football Insider revealed on15 March that Wharton is a leading target for Man United, and a £70million fee may be enough to lure him away.Credit: ImagoThe England international is being changed by a number of elite European clubs, including the likes of Man City, Liverpool and Real Madrid.They are set to be rivalled by the likes of Liverpool and Chelsea to land his signature, and any potential deal will not come cheap. 🦅 Don’t Miss a Beat: Your Crystal Palace Insider Access Get the full story from Selhurst Park and Beckenham with our dedicated expert hubs: Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the heart of South London.