Reports in Italy suggest Sunderland are readying an improved transfer offer for Bologna defender Jhon Lucumí
Sunderland are reportedly preparing a fresh bid to sign Bologna defender Jhon Lucumí after seeing an opening £23.7million offer tabled by Kristjaan Speakman rejected earlier this week.
According to Italian outlet Il Resto del Carlino, Bologna turned down Sunderland’s proposal but admitted the offer has “shaken” the Serie A side, with the Colombian international understood to be keen on making the move to the Premier League.
Lucumí, 27, previously had a £23.7million release clause written into his contract, but that expired in mid-July. Despite this, Sunderland are said to be ready to return with an improved bid in an effort to convince Bologna to sell. Italian publication TuttoMercatoWeb reports that Régis Le Bris’ side are preparing to table a new offer worth more than £23.7million as they continue their pursuit of the highly rated centre-back. Bologna, who have already sold defender Sam Beukema to Napoli this summer, currently views Lucumí as unsellable and are working on extending his contract beyond its current expiry date in 2027.
However, TuttoMercatoWeb also claims that Sunderland’s persistence could eventually pay off, with a “significant bid” potentially forcing Bologna to reconsider their stance — particularly as negotiations over a contract renewal are understood to be complicated. Further developments are expected in the coming days if Sunderland follow up on their intention to submit an improved proposal for the Colombian international.
What did Régis Le Bris say after Sunderland vs West Ham?
Head coach Régis Le Bris hailed Sunderland’s players after their 3-0 victory over West Ham United but warned that humility and togetherness must remain central to their Premier League campaign.
The Black Cats returned to the top flight in style on Saturday, with second-half goals from Eliezer Mayenda, Dan Ballard and Wilson Isidor sealing their first Premier League win in over eight years.
Le Bris was delighted with the way his players responded to half-time instructions after a challenging first half and praised their ability to execute the gameplan. He also revealed that captain Granit Xhaka addressed the squad post-match to stress the importance of staying united.
“I'm happy for the fans and the players and the club,” Le Bris said. “We had different phases of pre-season and we spoke about the layers we needed to add. It was obvious that it starts from the foundations – we showed that the team is working well.
He added: “They were hard to beat in a mid to low block. The first half was a bit more difficult but during the second half we felt we could get opportunities through regains in the middle and that we could score through counter attacks.
“We didn't change many important things at half time. We spoke a bit about their goalkeeper restarts and our high press, we went for man for man and they found two or three opportunities with long balls. So it was really important to be strong in duels. We made just two or three little decisions, and it made a difference.”
Le Bris was also keen to highlight that Sunderland’s three goals came from players who were already at the club last season, despite a summer of heavy recruitment. “It's really important for two reasons, they showed they can step up [first and foremost],” he said.
The Echo has launched a new WhatsApp SAFC Channel to bring the latest news, analysis and team & injury updates direct to your phone. Simply click this link to join ourSAFC WhatsApp channel.
“We'll see later, but today it was the case. And it's really important because they keep the identity of the club and the way we worked last season. We built this strength about togetherness, the way we work as a team. The players worked well as a team and they showed that again today.”
The Frenchman added that while the opening-day victory was a proud moment for everyone connected to the club, Sunderland would remain focused on the long campaign ahead.
Continue Reading