Bologna CEO Cristiano Fenucci has added further weight to Sunderland’s pursuit of Jhon Lucumi by publicly acknowledging the English club’s pressure for the defender.
Speaking to Sky Sport, the Italian businessman admitted that the final days of the transfer window could bring surprises and included the Colombian among the names currently at the centre of talks.
“In recent days there has been interest from Milan for Fabbian, then we have to face the pressing for Lucumi from Sunderland,” Fenucci said, adding that the club will not allow exits without replacements in place.
That message echoes what the Italian press had been reporting throughout the week. Il Resto del Carlino and Corriere di Bologna both stated Bologna had already started searching for a new centre-back, with Nottingham Forest’s Morato identified as the priority. Earlier claims from Colombia also suggested Lucumi would only be sold once a replacement is lined up.
The Black Cats have already made a concrete offer worth €28m plus €2m in bonuses and a resale percentage, which was rejected by Bologna. However, the club made it clear to the 27-year-old that he would be sold if cover is found.
Fenucci’s admission now makes it official that Sunderland’s pressure is real, even if Bologna’s stance has not changed.
With Lucumi currently sidelined by a muscle issue and the window closing in on its final days, the situation remains alive – but still dependent on Bologna securing a successor.