£22m Jhon Lucumi Tempted by Sunderland Interest as Bologna Begin Search for Replacement

£22m Jhon Lucumi Tempted by Sunderland Interest as Bologna Begin Search for Replacement — Reports

 

Sunderland’s ambitious summer recruitment drive has taken another twist with fresh reports linking the Black Cats with Bologna centre-back Jhon Lucumi — and this time, the Colombian defender is reportedly open to the move.

The 26-year-old was said to have rejected initial approaches from Sunderland last week, with sources in Italy claiming his desire to play Champions League football made a switch to the Stadium of Light unlikely. However, new reports suggest the picture may be shifting. Lucumi is now believed to be tempted by the idea of testing himself in the Premier League under Régis Le Bris, with Sunderland continuing to make the defender one of their top defensive targets.

Lucumi, capped 16 times by Colombia, has been a key figure for Bologna since arriving from Genk in 2022. Valued at around £22 million, his composed style on the ball, ability to read the game, and leadership qualities have made him a standout in Serie A. Sunderland see him as a potential defensive linchpin as they look to build on last season’s Championship promotion and establish themselves in the top flight.

While Sunderland remain hopeful of convincing Lucumi, Bologna are preparing for life without him. Italian media outlets report that the Serie A side have begun identifying possible replacements, signaling a growing acceptance that Lucumi could be on his way out this summer. Bologna sporting director Giovanni Sartori is said to be lining up alternatives, with defenders from both Serie A and abroad being scouted.

For Sunderland, securing a deal would mark a significant statement of intent. The Black Cats have already added several key players this summer but know that defensive reinforcements are essential ahead of a demanding Premier League campaign. Bringing in a player of Lucumi’s experience would bolster their backline and offer Le Bris a composed presence at the heart of defence.

However, the deal is still some way from being agreed. Sunderland are expected to negotiate both with Bologna and Lucumi’s representatives over the coming days, with the financial package — both transfer fee and personal terms — likely to be decisive.

Lucumi’s potential willingness to reconsider his stance is understood to be partly influenced by Sunderland’s long-term project under Kyril Louis-Dreyfus, as well as the chance to play regularly in England’s top flight. The player has also been impressed by Sunderland’s aggressive recruitment strategy and their commitment to building a competitive Premier League squad.

While Bologna’s search for a replacement suggests they are bracing for Lucumi’s exit, the coming days could be crucial in determining whether Sunderland can pull off what would be one of the standout defensive signings of their summer.

For now, Sunderland fans will watch closely as talks develop — with hopes rising that Lucumi could be wearing red and white sooner rather than later.

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