Sunderland Eye Ambitious Move For This Serie A Centre-back: Why They Must Get The Deal Done | OneFootball

In one of his recent updates, Fabrizio Romano has shared another exciting transfer news related to Sunderland. The Black Cats have snapped up several new names since being promoted to the Premier League, and according to Romano, they are now preparing an official bid for Bologna centre-back Jhon Lucumí.

The 27-year-old Colombian international progressed through the academy ranks of his hometown outfit Deportivo Cali before breaking into their senior squad. There, he impressed the scouts of KRC Genk and eventually completed a €2.5m transfer to the Belgian Pro League. His towering presence in the heart of the backline earned him a €8m move to Bologna back in August 2022.

Why A Deal For Lucumi Won’t Be Straightforward

Lucumí earned an instant first-team status for the Serie A outfit and has featured 109 times in all competitions over the past three campaigns. He played his part in Bologna’s historic qualification for the Champions League and contributed to their first-ever Coppa Italia triumph since 1974, defeating AC Milan two months ago.

MILAN, ITALY – MAY 09: Jhon Lucumi of Bologna controls the ball during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Bologna at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on May 09, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Despite being open to a fresh challenge, the Red and Blues ace has snubbed Sunderland, as claimed by Il Resto del Carlino, relayed by Bologna outlet 1000 Cuori Rossoblu. The Serie A side demands a fee in the region of €22m for Lucumi, who also turned down AFC Bournemouth’s approach in search of Champions League football.

Why Sunderland Need Reinforcements In Deep Defence

Yet the Wearsiders must not give up the chase, given their ongoing conundrum in deep defence. Luke O’Nien and Daniel Ballard made significant strides under Regis Le Bris. However, their lack of top-flight experience could trouble them deep down the season. Aji Alese and Leo Hjelde are only viewed as sporadic options, but the young duo, along with O’Nien and left fullback Dennis Cirkin, will miss the start of the upcoming campaign due to their respective injury woes.

While the French boss has roped in veteran Reinildo Mandava to challenge and cover Cirkin down the left, he has not bolstered his defensive unit yet. Chris Mepham enjoyed a productive loan stint at the Stadium of Light, but he is not expected to return for a second successive season, with Bournemouth activating a one-year extension in his contract.

Known for his calmness and composure, Lucumí holds all the traits of a modern-day defender. He prefers to play it out from the deep, and his impressive passing and tackling attributes back him to be a success in the Premier League. It remains to be seen now whether the experienced centre-half joins Le Bris’s Sunderland project.