Bologna Name Their Price For Sunderland Target Jhon Lucumi

Jhon Lucumi could be on his way out of Bologna next month with Sunderland set to reignite their interest.

The Colombian international was hotly pursued by the English Premier League newbies in the summer transfer window.

Although a deal with the Rossoblu couldn’t be struck, the Black Cats are set to test the 2024-25 Coppa Italia winners resolve once again with a fresh January offer.

Jhon Lucumi Transfer News

Once Sunderland bid for Jhon Lucumi in the summer transfer window, Bologna always had a fight on their hands to keep their star defender in Emilia-Romagna.

The Rossoblu rebuffed the Mackem’s official approach which was understood to be in the region of €28million. Now, it’s reported that Vincenzo Italiano’s side will be willing to do business for €14m.

Lucumi’s contract negotiations stalled throughout October and it appears he won’t be penning new terms. Hence why Italiano will begrudgingly consider a lower figure for the center-back.

The Colombian international’s current deal expires in 2027 so Italiano is prepared to cash in now. Or he risks losing the 27-year-old on a free transfer in 18 months.

Jhon Lucumi Labelled ‘Unreal’

After moving to the Renato Dall’Ara in 2022, Jhon Lucumi is widely regarded as one of Serie A’s best defenders. In fact, sports journalist Ethan Todd called Lucumi ‘unreal.’

As exciting as that will sound to Sunderland supporters, the Bologna faithful will be hopeful an adequate replacement can be found.

Especially as the Rossoblu lost center-back Sam Beukema as well in the summer. Lucumi continues to go from strength-to-strength but Vincenzo Italiano will already be laying the groundwork for a replacement.

The ex-Fiorentina boss has carved out a fine reputation for unearthing hidden gems. If the Black Cats do acquire Lucumi in January, Italiano will once again rely on his skills and experience to help fill the void.

Bologna January Transfer Targets

According to the nationals in Italy, a trio of defenders have already been shortlisted to replace Jhon Lucumi. Union Saint-Gilloise’s Fedde Leysen has been identified alongside Diogo Leite and Rafa Marin.

Como’s Marc-Oliver Kempf, Empoli’s Gabriele Guarino and Alex Disasi of Chelsea are also being monitored. That gives Vincenzo Italiano plenty to ponder over the coming weeks.

Elsewhere, the Bologna boss has slapped a €35m price tag on Santiago Castro. Similar to Lucumi, the South American is attracting English Premier League interest.

It’s unlikely that Castro will be snared in January but Fares Ghedjemis is being watched just in case.