On Friday, BolognaSportNews expressed genuine concern about Jhon Lucumi’s move to Manchester City.
The outlet were sure that the defender would be keen on a switch to the Etihad. His entourage was also looking for an approach from Pep Guardiola’s side.
This was causing worry at Bologna, who will soon have a big decision to make about the player.
Il Resto del Carlino now report that Lucumi’s possible switch to Manchester City might not happen this month.
This is because the 27-year-old was substituted against Como at the weekend. He is likely to have picked up an injury that will keep him out for some weeks. There is a chance the Colombian doesn’t play again in January.
As a result, ‘injury blocks negotiations’ about the centre-back’s potential transfer this month. It also exacerbates Bologna’s need to sign a new defender and they can now bring in a replacement for the short-term.
Manchester City target may feel transfer cursed
The newspaper claim Lucumi’s entourage had already held initial discussions with Manchester City. Talks also took place with other Premier League clubs but for now, any move will have to wait until the summer.
This can actually end up helping Bologna, especially if Lucumi returns in some weeks. Rossoblu sporting director Marco Di Vaio had appeared keen on keeping the South American beyond January and he might be successful in doing that now.
For Jhon Lucumi, it may feel like fate is trying to keep him away from the Premier League. In the summer the defender came very close to joining Sunderland, and at one point the transfer was likely.
Bologna held firm and after Sunderland missed the player’s clause cut-off, the Serie A side held all the power. When Manchester City then showed up in January, everything feel into place for Lucumi.
Alas, again it also fell apart and the player has to wait until the summer.