Manchester City Considering Bologna’s Jhon Lucumi Amid Defensive Injury Crisis

Jhon Lucumi has emerged as a transfer target for Manchester City amid the clubs growing injury crisis in central defense. 

The Cityzens are currently without John Stones, Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol. It was confirmed on January 5 that the latter had suffered a leg fracture during the 1-1 draw with Chelsea.

Sources told FootItalia that the English Premier League giants are weighing up a January bid for the Bologna center-back to help fill the void.

Jhon Lucumi Transfer News Reveals Manchester City Interest

After Sunderland bid for Jhon Lucumi in the summer, it appeared he would join the newly-promoted English Premier League side. However, Bologna rebuffed their offer.

The Black Cats remain interested in the 2025 Coppa Italia winner but they face fierce competition in the form of global giants Manchester City for the Colombian’s signature.

Pep Guardiola is on the prowl for reinforcements and believes Lucumi has the right profile to succeed at the Etihad. The Spaniard is also pursuing Marc Guehi but it’s unclear whether Crystal Palace will sell him this month.

That has pushed Lucumi to the front of the queue. His own future at the Renato Dall’Ara has been the source of hot debate for the last six months and an exit looks likely.

Especially as his contract expires in 2027 and a new deal isn’t likely to be penned. Therefore, City will launch a bid in the coming days.

How Much Will Jhon Lucumi Cost Manchester City?

Once Jhon Lucumi’s contract talks stalled, Bologna begrudgingly accepted that they were going to lose their star center-back sooner rather than later.

It’s understood that Lucumi’s price tag is approximately €14million. That is a 50% less that what Sunderland were quoted last year and from Manchester City’s perspective, it’s loose change.

Pep Guardiola has often spent large sums on players at the Etihad but Lucumi’s valuation is highly tempting. In fact, it’s one that would be hard to ignore.

But what would City get for their money? Lucumi is widely regarded as one of the finest defenders in European soccer who has all the mod cons to succeed in England.

Cool, calm and composed, Lucumi is an authoritative figure who is strong in the tackle and in the air. The Colombian is a ball-playing center-back and likes to play out from the back, something of which Guardiola desires.

Who Could Bologna Sign As A Replacement?

With Jhon Lucumi heading for the exit door, Bologna has targeted Axel Disasi as a prime candidate to replace the 27-year-old.

Disasi has struggled at Chelsea and despite Liam Rosenior’s appointment, a departure from west London is still very much on the cards.

Head coach Vincenzo Italiano has been a keen admirer of Disasi and is expected to place a bid this month. Elsewhere, the likes of Tarik Muharemovic, Diego Coppola and Rosen Bozhinov have all been discussed.