The latest transfer talk from Sunderland as the Black Cats prepare for the summer transfer window.
The Black Cats were strongly linked with a move the Colombia international last summer as they pieced together a transformative transfer window that has laid the foundations for an impressive return to the Premier League. There were reports suggesting an official offer was lodged to the Serie A club - but that was rejected as Bologna failed to find a replacement for one of their prized assets and that led Sunderland to switch their focus towards what would become a successful move for Omar Alderete.
Speaking earlier this year in an interview with Il Resto del Carlino, when asked about Lucumí’s situation, Bologna chairman Claudio 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."
Obstacle
Roma defender Evan Ndickaplaceholder image
Roma defender Evan Ndicka | Getty Images
Recent reports have suggested Bologna are now actively seeking a replacement for Lucumi and that has increased the possibility a summer deal could be on the cards. Sunderland are believed to be keen to boost their defensive options during the close-season - although it is unknown whether Lucumi could find himself on their list of targets for the second successive summer. However, reports in Italy have now suggested Roma will provide competition for his signature with journalist Francesco Balzani stating the Serie A club had Lucimi ‘in their crosshairs’ last summer and is now back on their last of targets as speculation over Evan Ndicka’s future at the Stadio Olimpico has increased.
The Ivory Coast international is said to be a target for a number of Premier League clubs and Roma are said to be demanding a fee of around £35m for the former Eintracht Frankfurt man and his departure could lead to an offer for Lucumi. Intriguingly, Sunderland are described as ‘the only obstacle’ in Roma’s pursuit of the Bologna defender and their interest in the Colombia is also confirmed.
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