Sunderland submit official bid for Bologna defender Jhon Lucumi | OneFootball

Sunderland have submitted an official bid for Bologna defender Jhon Lucumi as they continue an ambitious summer rebuild.

The newly promoted Premier League club are pushing to strengthen their defence despite already completing several notable signings.

Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano reported that the Black Cats tabled a formal offer today, with Lucumi open to joining the project under head coach Regis Le Bris.

Bologna, however, are determined to keep the Colombian international after his release clause expired earlier in the window.

The Serie A side have made it clear they will resist approaches for the centre-back and do not intend to sanction a sale.

Sunderland’s pursuit reflects their aggressive approach to recruitment since sealing promotion.

The club have already signed Granit Xhaka, who has been appointed captain, alongside Simon Adingra, Habib Diarra and Nordi Mukiele.

Paraguayan defender Omar Alderete also arrived from Getafe last week and made his debut in the 3-0 victory over West Ham on opening day.

Mukiele was then confirmed as a permanent signing from Paris Saint-Germain, further strengthening the squad’s defensive depth.

Even so, Sunderland view Lucumi as an important target because of his profile and experience.

The 25-year-old is left-footed, strong in the air, and regarded as a composed passer from the back.

He has been described in Italy as a ‘phenomenon’ and is seen as someone who can bring balance to Sunderland’s defensive unit.

Le Bris’ team impressed against West Ham, but the club hierarchy are intent on adding more quality before the transfer window closes.

Speaking before the win, sporting director Kristjaan Speakman said Sunderland would work until deadline day to ensure the manager had the best squad possible.

He stressed the need to balance ambition with long-term sustainability but confirmed further arrivals were expected.

Lucumi has spent the past two years at Bologna and was a key figure as they qualified for the Champions League last season.

He has 20 caps for Colombia and has built a reputation as one of Serie A’s most consistent defenders.

Sunderland will now continue negotiations in the hope of persuading Bologna to change their stance.

The Black Cats face Burnley away next before returning to the Stadium of Light for a Carabao Cup tie against Huddersfield.

With favourable fixtures ahead, the club are determined to build momentum and strengthen further in the coming weeks.