Sunderland Make Major Move For Jhon Lucumí With Improved €28m Bid

Sunderland have sent a new offer to Bologna for Colombian center-back Jhon Lucumí. This raises hopes of a late Premier League transfer before the window closes.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Sunderland made a better €28 million offer, including a 10% sell-on clause, for Bologna defender Jhon Lucumí. They had offered about €25 million before, but Bologna said no. Lucumí is Sunderland’s top center-back choice. They need him more now because Dan Ballard is injured. Bologna, however, is not keen to sell Jhon Lucumí, one of their best players, and started him in their Serie A first game against Roma last weekend. Lucumí might want to move to England.

WHY LUCUMÍ IS KEY FOR SUNDERLAND

Lucumí, now 27, is a top player in Serie A since joining Bologna in 2022. He played 34 league games last season and helped Bologna secure European qualification, finishing ninth in Serie A but winning the Coppa Italia. Lucumí reads the game well and tackles strongly, ranking among Italy’s best defenders. Sunderland was is back in the Premier League after gaining promotion from the Championship playoffs last season and are looking at improving their defense. Ballard’s injury in Saturday’s 2-1 loss to Burnley makes it more urgent to get new defenders. Bologna lost their first Serie A game, losing 1-0 to Roma because of Lucumí’s mistake for the winning goal.

WHAT NEXT FOR BOTH SIDES?

Sunderland hope to sign a defender before the transfer window closes on September 1st. Their upcoming Premier League game is against Brentford, who sit in 10th place level on points with Sunderland. Signing Lucumí could give Sunderland’s defense a much-needed boost as the season progresses. Bologna will face Como next in Serie A. The club is 14th after their first loss, just ahead of Torino. Both clubs need to make quick decisions as fans and managers are eager for clarity before important league games.