For Eddie Howe, midfield was clearly an area of Bournemouth’s squad that needed strengthening going into this season.
As a result, a club-record fee of £25m (BBC Sport) was spent on Levante’s Jefferson Lerma in a deal that left the Cherries boss dancing for joy.
“He has a lot of qualities that will be suited to the Premier League and I’m really looking forward to working with him,” Howe told Bournemouth’s official club website.
Howe, however, was clearly not the only person who was glad to see Lerma arrive at the Vitality Stadium.
Brilliant – can’t wait to see him on the pitch#afcb
— LAMOUREUX LANDON (@LamoureuxLandon) August 7, 2018
Very enjoyable to watch
— Lyn Whytehead (@fitzpottle) August 7, 2018
Yes get in there great signing #afcb
— Matthew stevens (@matt3490) August 7, 2018
Beg you drop what number he’s gonna be so I can cop the shirt. Thanks x
— jordan (@Star1Jord) August 7, 2018
Great signing just need a new CB now
— Aaron Watson (@Aaronntfc_2003) August 8, 2018
Can’t wait to see Jefferson lerma in a afc Bournemouth shirt great signing from Eddie
— jamie caines (@jamiecaines2) August 7, 2018
Welcome Lerma, the difference between mid table and Europa League for #afcbournemouth #COYC #PremierLeague #newbeginnings #legend pic.twitter.com/lxPgZHY0Cx
— Jay Traves (@JaytvT_Official) August 7, 2018
Oh Jefferson Lerma? #afcb https://t.co/LPmXKzhWw4
— L30n@ #GTTO (@B5_AFCB) August 8, 2018
Ohhhhh Jefferson Lerma The saga is over – Lerma is a ! Absolutely fantastic signing, from what he’s been quoted as saying he’s ecstatic to be here, so glad it’s finally over and we’ve… https://t.co/IVXeJ0XHmX
— the_afcb_fanpage (@theafcbfanpage) August 7, 2018
A midfield of Lewis Cook and Jefferson Lerma this season looks good… Wish we would buy another defender but doubt any other transfers will be happening into the club #afcb #utciad
— Beth Smith (@Beth_Smith05) August 7, 2018
For the Bournemouth manager and supporters, Lerma was a player that the team desperately needed, and the 24-year-old did not disappoint once establishing himself in the side.
After acclimatising to the Premier League, it became apparent as to why the south coast club decided to fork out so much money on him.
In the middle of the park, Lerma has brought a real combative presence to the Cherries with his strong and aggressive tackling.
Perhaps at times he is a bit too aggressive; the Colombia international has racked up 12 yellow cards in the Premier League this term.
But from fans’ perspective, that is exactly what they want to see from their midfield general, the desire to get stuck in and win the ball back for the team.
Indeed, Lerma has been an excellent acquisition for Bournemouth and one the club deserves tremendous credit for snapping up.
Bournemouth fans, what were your thoughts when Lerma initially joined? Join the discussion by commenting below.
Like what the TT have on offer? Sign up for more notifications!
Recommended for you
