Sunderland have identified Bologna’s Jhon Lucumí as a target to strengthen their defence this summer.
The 27-year-old has been a regular for the Serie A side since joining them from KRC Genk in 2022. His performances have seen him linked to a few Premier League sides in recent months.
Sunderland have become the latest English club to show interest in the centre-back and journalist Gianluca Di Marzio provides the latest.
He claims the Colombia international has a release clause in his contract that is valid until July 15th. There’s no mention of the figure and the Black Cats, despite being keen, don’t intend to exercise it.
Di Marzio explains Régis Le Bris’ side ‘could decide to reach a potential agreement later’, meaning after Lucumí’s clause expires tomorrow.
The player has entered his final year of contract, and a renewal doesn’t seem to be in sight.
Therefore, Bologna could be forced to sell Lucumí in this window to avoid losing him for free next summer. This can allow Sunderland to try and sign him for a price less than his clause.
Lucumí played 109 games for the Italian club of which 44 were from last season.