The latest transfer talk from Sunderland as the Black Cats prepare for the summer transfer window.
Sunderland have been linked with Bologna defender Jhon Lucumi once again - and the Black Cats have been given some encouragement they could secure a deal as the Serie A club are reportedly identifying possible replacements for the Colombia international.
The Black Cats were said to have ramped up their interest in Lucumi ahead of their return to the Premier League and there were suggestions an official offer was submitted during what was an overwhelmingly successful summer transfer window. However, Bologna rejected that offer as they were unable to find a replacement for the 27-year-old and stated the ‘conditions weren’t right’ for the defender to be replaced at the time.
Speaking amid the Black Cats previous reported interest, chairman Claudio Fenucci delivered his verdict on the situation and insisted his club were always minded to retain his services during their attempts to find a successor for them at the heart of their defence.
Speaking in an interview with Il Resto del Carlino, when asked about Lucumí’s situation, Fenucci replied: “I've always said we'd prefer to keep everyone, even though we know that in reality, certain offers can be tough, especially if the Premier League comes knocking. If we add the club's operating costs to labour costs, we get to €110 million; if we add depreciation and taxes, we get to almost €160 million. It's obvious that such a large-scale management, built to be competitive, cannot help but be financed by some sales. We've reinvested some of the proceeds from the sales in the market, and perhaps we'll invest some more.
"Jhon has already spent three years with us, which is a long time in today's football. He had the ambition to leave, but unfortunately, the timeframe for the offer didn't materialise. Otherwise, we could have done something with him and, at that point, kept Sam [Beukema]. However, we don't decide the transfer window: the conditions aren't right for him to be replaced right now, so Jhon will stay with us."
Summer additions
Royale Union Saint-Gilloise's Belgian defender Fedde Leysen.placeholder image
Royale Union Saint-Gilloise's Belgian defender Fedde Leysen. | Belga/AFP via Getty Images.
However, a recent report in Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport appears to have given Sunderland some hope. They have claimed the Serie A club are already working hard to identify potential replacements for the defender and have stressed it is ‘pointless to hide it’ as there is an acceptance that a parting of ways is likely this summer. Sporting director Giovanni Sartori is said to be monitoring Fluminense star Juan Pablo Freytes and Union Saint-Gilloise’s Fedde Leysen as possible summer additions to their squad.
Significantly, Sunderland are the only club mentioned as a possible suitor for Lucumi, who is said to remain annoyed over a failed move last summer and is keen to make a ‘dream’ move to the Premier League. This summer is said to be crucial as Lucumi will represent Colombia at the World Cup finals in North America and the report states that will bring ‘so much attention’ on the defender that will ‘inevitably’ lead to a move away from the Renato Dall'Ara Stadium.
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