Jhon Lucumí’s Agent Urges Bologna to Reconsider Sunderland Bid

Sunderland’s efforts to sign Jhon Lucumí are gaining momentum. This happened after the player’s agent called on Bologna to reconsider rejecting the English club’s offer. Lucumí wants to join Sunderland this summer, and his agent is pressing the Serie A side to facilitate the move.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Jhon Lucumí‘s agent, Simone Rondanini, issued a statement responding to comments from Bologna‘s CEO regarding the transfer situation. He expressed respect for Bologna and their role in Lucumí’s development but signaled frustration at the club’s reluctance to let the player move. This comes after Sunderland, who recently offered Lucumí a contract that would significantly raise his salary, saw their bid turned down by the Serie A side. Lucumí, eager to join Sunderland, reportedly finds the Premier League challenge and pay increase appealing. Bologna has hesitated because selling Lucumí would result in the need to rebuild their centre-back partnership, especially after selling Sam Beukema to Napoli earlier this summer Bologna signed Martin Vitik to strengthen their defense. However, the player’s side is now increasing public pressure for a deal to be reached.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Sunderland, back in the Premier League for the 2025/26 season after winning the 2024 Championship play-offs, have already spent over £142 million in this transfer window and are eager to strengthen their defense. Sunderland aims to stay in the Premier League after their promotion. With Daniel Ballard excelling in the opening matches and the team defeating West Ham 3-0, ambitions are high. Their current centre-back options include Jenson Seelt and Omar Alderete, but the club wants another left-footed defender. Lucumí’s performances last season helped Bologna secure European qualification, and his experience is seen as crucial for Sunderland’s aims. Bologna, however, sit in mid-table after a shaky start and are reluctant to lose such a key defender now.

WHAT NEXT FOR THE CLUBS?

Sunderland’s first Premier League fixtures have gone well, with the club positioned in the upper half of the table after one game. Their next match is against also promoted Burnley, who lost their opener to Tottenham, and a win by Sunderland could see them 6 points ahead of rivals after just 2 matches. For Bologna, their next Serie A fixture is the opener against Roma, with both teams searching for their first win of the season. Negotiations between Sunderland and Bologna are likely to continue, and pressure may increase if Lucumí remains unsettled or pushes for the opportunity to move to England. Both clubs face tricky decisions as the transfer window nears its close.