Earlier this week, Il Resto del Carlino reported Bologna have rejected a fresh Sunderland approach for Jhon Lucumi.
The player is thought to be interested in a move, and those reports this week stated the Black Cats are preparing a new offer for the defender.
Clarification has now arrived from Bologna director Claudio Fenucci, who spoke to Il Resto del Carlino today about the Rossoblu’s approach in the transfer window and what to expect for the end of it.
The Italian was asked directly about Lucimi’s situation and said the player is set to stay, despite Sunderland’s approach.
He said: “Lucumi had aspirations to leave but the timeframe for the offer didn’t materialise, otherwise we could have sold him and not Sam [Beukema].”
Fenucci made it clear that Bologna now have limited time to find a replacement and that is why the 27-year-old will stay at the club.
“As of today, the conditions for replacing him would no longer exist.”
Whether this is categorical or pushing Sunderland for more money would be down to interpretation but it sounds a strong stance.
The defender had a €28m release clause until mid July but now that’s irrelevant.
Lucumi is widely considered one of the most reliable defenders in Serie A. He was key under Thiago Motta in the 2023/24 season, when he helped Bologna qualify for the Champions League.
He was also an important part of the side under Vincenzo Italiano last season, when the Rossoblu won the Coppa Italia. This suggests that Sunderland could have signed an impressive defender, but the timing has just got away from them.