Last week, Bologna CEO Claudio Fenucci told Tuttomercatoweb that defender Jhon Lucumi is in line for a new deal at the club after Sunderland failed to sign him in the summer.
The Italian stated the Rossoblu’s stance about the defender was firm and they didn’t want to lose him, having sold Sam Beukema earlier on in the summer.
Quotidiano Sportivo report Sunderland ‘tried everything’ to sign the 27-year-old, who was keen on the switch to the Stadium of Light.
Regis Le Bris’ side had a deal worth €3m per season ready and had made an offer for the Colombian.
The outlet notes that even though the British press is convinced that Sunderland will come back in for Lucumi in January, it will hinge on whether the centre-back signs a new deal at Bologna or not.
Several possibilities are floated and there is no certainty yet that the player will sign a new deal, with the Italian side offering a contract until the summer of 2029 and a significant wage upgrade.
There is a possibility Lucumi waits to sort out his future next summer, as his focus will be entirely on the World Cup in January and he wouldn’t want to derail his progress by moving to another club in the middle of the season.
A refusal to sign a contract can bring about a tug-of-war situation again, as Lucumi’s current deal runs out in the summer of 2027.