La Liga heavyweights Barcelona are reportedly interested in signing 26-year-old Bologna defender Jhon Lucumi, who will cost around €25 million.
According to a report by Spanish outlet AS, Jhon Lucumi is the subject of interest from FC Barcelona. The Catalan giants are scouring the market for a centre-back ahead of the January transfer window. So, the Bologna defender has emerged as an affordable target for the Blaugrana, as the 26-year-old has a release clause worth €25 million in his contract with the Serie A club.
Who is Jhon Lucumi?
Jhon Lucumi has established himself as one of the best defenders in Serie A since joining Bologna from KRC Genk in August 2022. A native of Cali, the South American centre-back spent his formative years in his homeland, progressing through the ranks at Deportivo Cali before breaking into the club’s first-team squad nearly a decade ago.
The 26-year-old has gone from strength to strength during his spell with Bologna, turning out 79 times thus far for the Serie A club while chipping in with one goal and three assists. In addition, Lucumi has grown in stature in his national team, making 26 appearances for Colombia in the last five years.
Meanwhile, the Colombian defender’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several high-profile clubs across Europe. Reports ahead of the 2024 summer transfer window linked the Bologna centre-back with Manchester United. Lucumi has now emerged as a target for Barcelona, with his release clause of €25 million making him affordable for the Blaugrana.
Barcelona adventure beckons?
Barcelona’s interest in Jhon Lucumi is understandable. The Catalan giants are scouring the market for a centre-back ahead of the January transfer window amid uncertainties surrounding the long-term futures of Andreas Christensen and Ronald Araujo. In addition, Inigo Martinez is on the wrong side of 30 and approaching the twilight of his career.
So, several candidates, including Jonathan Tah, have emerged on Barcelona’s radar. However, Lucumi is also a viable target, with the Blaugrana viewing him as an affordable option due to his release clause of €25 million.
The report has suggested that Barcelona will unlikely have any issues coughing up €25 million to sign Lucumi from Bologna in the January transfer window. It will be interesting to see if the 26-year-old Colombian international ends his adventure in Serie A to join the Catalan outfit.