A former Sunderland transfer target is now attracting Juventus interest, with Barcelona also said to be circling
Former Sunderland transfer target Jhon Lucumí is reportedly attracting interest from Juventus after the Black Cats failed in their attempt to sign the Bologna defender last summer.
Lucumí was one of Sunderland’s main defensive targets following promotion to the Premier League, with the club understood to have made a serious push to bring the Colombia international to Wearside. Official bids were submitted and wage proposals were also put to the player, who was believed to be open to the move at one stage.
However, Bologna were reluctant to sanction his departure after losing other key defenders, and the move eventually collapsed. Sunderland later decided not to revive their interest during the January window, bringing that particular saga to a halt.
Juventus make contact over Lucumí
Lucumí’s future is now back in focus, with Sky Sport Italia reporting that Juventus have made contact over a potential deal for the centre-back. The 27-year-old is said to have a release clause worth €28million, which is valid until mid-July. That works out at around £24.1million
That clause could make Lucumí an attractive option for clubs looking to strengthen defensively this summer, particularly given his experience in Serie A and at international level.
Why Sunderland wanted Lucumí
Lucumí joined Bologna from Genk in 2022 and has gone on to establish himself as one of the club’s most important players. The Colombia international has made 149 appearances for Bologna and was part of the side that won the Coppa Italia in 2024-25, while also helping the club secure Champions League qualification.
His defensive output has also remained impressive. This season, Lucumí has made a team-high 168 defensive contributions in Serie A, while averaging 1.4 interceptions and 0.5 blocks per 90 minutes. That ranks him first and second respectively among Bologna players.
Given that profile, it was easy to understand Sunderland’s interest. Lucumí offered top-level experience, defensive aggression and the ability to play in a possession-based side - all qualities that would have appealed to Régis Le Bris and Sunderland’s recruitment team.
Bologna facing key decision
Lucumí has just one year remaining on his Bologna contract, which leaves the Italian club facing a familiar transfer dilemma. Unless a new deal is agreed, this summer may represent Bologna’s last realistic opportunity to command a significant fee. Previous reports have suggested the club now have only a slim chance of keeping him, with European interest continuing to grow.
Barcelona have also been credited with monitoring the defender’s situation, while his agent has previously indicated that Lucumí is settled in Italy and focused on Bologna. A strong World Cup with Colombia could further increase interest and potentially raise his market value, although the existence of a release clause may give clubs a clear figure to work with before mid-July.
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