Sunderland transfer target Jhon Lucumi
Sunderland transfer target Jhon Lucumi
With Sunderland very much in the transfer mix for Jhon Lucumi, it appears as if the defender is being discouraged from leaving Bologna.
The Black Cats were serious with their pursuit of the defender last summer.Sport Witness closely covered the saga, as the centre-back’s agent also made the player’s demands to leave very clear.
Despite the pressure, Bologna held on and are using him regularly this season. This hasn’t convinced Lucumi about signing a new deal beyond 2027 though, which makes his future uncertain once again.
Sunderland are still interested, with the Colombian set to play in England when Bologna take on Aston Villa this week.
Now, the 28-year-old has given a major interview toCorriere dello Sport. This has given the Italian newspaper a chance to question Lucumi about his future.
Attempt to talk Lucumi out of transfer intention
The newspaper initially beat around the bush as they start with talking about the match against Unai Emery’s side.
When asked about his summer intentions, Lucumi left everything open.
“Right now, my focus is solely on finishing the season on a high note and helping the team. Then I’ll sit down with my family, with my wife, and we’ll see with my team what’s best for my career.
“Now my priority is to give my all for Bologna. And I think that right now, talking about a renewal isn’t the most important thing.”
Trying to tug on his hearts strings, Corriere dello Sport asked Lucumi about his feelings towards Bologna.
“Everything here is fantastic. I’m truly grateful for the way they welcomed me, the way they treated me, and for the affection they’ve shown me and my family. We’re happy here. We can only express our deepest gratitude for everything Bologna has done for us.”
The newspaper then said the following to Lucumi: “You’ll admit that changing just for the sake of changing wouldn’t make sense, and only when faced with a great opportunity would Bologna understand your decision. Do you know that there’s an Italian proverb that goes, “If you leave, you know what you’re leaving, but you don’t know what you’ll find”?”
That is without doubt, a hint towards Sunderland not being a great destination. There was surprise in Bologna last summer that he wanted the transfer.
Sunderland have since established themselves in the Premier League, but there’s clearly a belief Lucumi could do better.
To the pressure he responded: “I think it’s right to make a decision based on what’s best for me, for my family, for everyone. I don’t think anyone makes a decision just for the sake of it or simply because they want to leave. I won’t do that either. I’ll decide only after evaluating everything.”
Lucumi may have outgrown Sunderland transfer
The centre-back had his struggles earlier in the campaign, but he is back to his best now. Arguably, he is one of the best defenders in Serie A right now. He has proven himself at a European level too, also impressing in the Champions League.
At 28, he would want to play at a club which guarantees him a fight for silverware and European football.
Sunderland are not at that stage yet, which is why Manchester City has also been floated as a destination.