After losing Riccardo Calafiori to Arsenal, Serie A's Bologna may witness centre-back Jhon Lucumi also leaving Italy in January. The Colombian defender, 26, is being closely monitored by La Liga leaders Barcelona who are without Ronald Araujo and Andreas Christensen in their defense.
Under current Juventus manager Thiago Motta, Bologna had managed a top-four finish in the Serie A last season. Lucumi and Calafiori were instrumental in the dream run that ensured I Petroniani's UEFA Champions League qualifications.
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Lucumi has become a mainstay in the Latin American country's national team as well. He was part of the James Rdriguez-led side that made it to the summit clash of the Copa America 2024.
The left-footed defender, whose market value is estimated to be around €17 million, arrived in Europe from Deportivo Cali in his home nation. He joined Belgium's KRC Genk in 2018 before being bought by the Italian side for a €8 million deal. This season, Jhon Lucumi played five UCL games for Bologna and scored once. He played 664 minutes in all from nine league games for the side that is eighth in the table after 12 rounds with four wins, two defeats and six ties.
Lucumi's current contract will expire only in June 2026 but Barcelona are willing to exercise a €25 million release clause attached to it, Goal.com said in a report.
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Barcelona, meanwhile, is not the first Spanish club to be linked to Lucumi. Diego Simeone's Atletico Madrid pursued him, but Bologna said no in the wake of Calafiori's exit. It remains unclear if the club can convince Lucumi to stay for long as more bidders come knocking.
Hansi Flick has entrusted his defence with youngster Pau Cubarsi and veteran Inigo Martinez in the absence of Araujo and Christensen. With Real Madrid on their heels, the Catalan giants are unlikely to take any chance in rebuilding their weaknesses.