Province of Badajoz
Born in San Vicente de Alcántara, Province of Badajoz, Extremadura, de Lerma began his career with CD Leganés, joining its youth system in 1995 at the age of 10. In 2005, he made his debut with the first team in the third division, then continued his career in that level with Levante UD B – being summoned by the first team for training but never representing them officially during his three-year stint – and AD Ceuta.