Sunderland spent the summer window chasing Jhon Lucumi and going through a transfer dance with Bologna. The Premier League newcomers were clearly interested, as was the player, but it was probably left too late.
Lucumi’s release clause expired midway through the summer and Bologna simply didn’t want to play after that. The only way they’d have agreed would have been an off-market offer above his value.
Since the window closed the Sunderland links have continued. That makes some sense given the level of interest they had and the attempts that were made. Whether the interest is related to the winter or summer market remains to be seen.
Should Bologna be in a fight for something then it’s unlikely they’ll want to lose Jhon Lucumi in January.
Jhon Lucumi puts in overall good performance
Earlier this week we covered claims from Italy which stated Sunderland would have a scout watch the defender against Aston Villa.
Bologna lost the match 1-0 but it was pretty even. In terms of ratings, Gazzetta dello Sport gave the 27-year-old 6/10. The Italian newspaper are tough with their marks and that was above average for Bologna.
Corriere dello Sport also gave him 6/10 and said he was a bit wobbly in the first half but grew into the game.
Corriere di Bologna agreed with the 6/10. For them that made Lucumi the highest rated Bologna player aside from the goalkeeper. The local newspaper state that the defensive line didn’t collapse is largely down to the Sunderland target.
Jhon Lucumi has made five appearances so far this season. He’s a Colombia international who has increased in importance for his country over the past year.
Bologna have him on a contract lasting until June 2027. That would put them under a little pressure should he still be with the Serie A club next summer.
The defender is represented by Wasserman, who have a track record of taking players to the Premier League.
