Sunderland have now entered pole position in the race to sign a Serie A star, who is on the verge of leaving his current club.
Sunderland in pole position to sign Serie A star
If Sunderland were in an ambitious mood last summer, then their strong Premier League campaign is likely to increase that mood even more 12 months later.
The Black Cats have created the blueprints for avoiding the drop and more in the top flight, bringing an end to a disastrous run for promoted sides in recent years.
They could even qualify for European football before the end of the campaign, given that they're only five points behind sixth-place Chelsea, who they've got to play on the final day.
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In the space of two years, the Sunderland project has become one of the most attractive in the top flight, welcoming the likes of Brian Brobbey and Granit Xhaka whilst still targeting Jonathan David, among others.
Signing a player of David's calibre would just about summarise the ambition that Sunderland have had since returning to the top tier. They're simply not here to just avoid relegation and settle for a mid-table place. Other sides should follow suit.
It's not just David on their radar, either. Those at the Stadium of Light are also aiming to reinforce their backline when the summer transfer window swings open.
Although Daniel Ballard and Nordi Mukiele have both enjoyed fantastic first campaigns in the Premier League, recent injuries have exposed Sunderland's lack of depth in that department.
stadium-of-light Related
["He cannot" - Crucial Sunderland star pulled from training in major injury concern for Le Bris](https://www.footballfancast.com/sunderland-injury-news-granit-xhaka-pulled-from-international-training/ ""He cannot" - Crucial Sunderland star pulled from training in major injury concern for Le Bris")
A worrying sign for the Black Cats...
As such, the Black Cats have already turned their focus back towards a long-term target. According to reports in Italy, as relayed by Sport Witness, Sunderland are now in pole position to sign Jhon Lucumi, who is on the verge of leaving Serie A side Bologna.
Bologna chief admits "pointless" to hide Lucumi situation
The day that Lucumi becomes a Sunderland player, if it ever does arrive, will be a great relief for all parties. He was a top target for the Black Cats last summer, before they ultimately failed to reach an agreement with Bologna.
Now, not even Bolonga sporting director Giovanni Sartori is in a position to shy away from the centre-back's situation, admitting that it's "pointless" to hide that he's likely to leave this summer.
Dubbed "excellent" by Como scout Ben Mattinson in 2024, it's easy to see why Sunderland were chasing Lucumi last summer and continue to do so ahead of the next transfer window.
He would be another ambitious move and this time, Sunderland may not face such tough negotiations from Bologna following Sartori's admission.