Barcelona Set Sights on In-Demand Bologna Defender | OneFootball

Sought-after Bologna defender Jhon Lucumi has emerged as a concrete target for Barcelona ahead of the summer transfer window. According to Spanish outlet Diario AS, runaway La Liga leaders have earmarked the Colombian star as a summer objective.

Lucumi’s rise to stardom at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara has not gone unnoticed. Indeed, several top clubs, including Juventus, Milan, Inter, Napoli, and Roma, have added the rising Bologna star to their shortlist. However, Barcelona will challenge Serie A giants for the 26-year-old center-back.

Bologna signed Lucumi from Genk in the summer of 2022, tying him down to a contract until 2026. However, his deal expires in just over a year, pressuring Vincenzo Italiano’s charges to resolve his future in the coming months.

With numerous elite clubs vying for Lucumi’s signature, a summer exit is well on the cards. Bologna would ideally renew the defender’s contract, but growing interest in his services could derail such ambitions, even though they’re close to securing another European finish.

Barcelona could soon open talks with Bologna for Lucumi, who isn’t the club’s only defensive target. Bayer Leverkusen ace Piero Hincapie is also on Los Blaugranas’ radar as Hansi Flick aims to strengthen his backline in the summer.

Inigo Martinez has been impressive this season, yet as he turns 34 next month, the Spanish heavyweights need a more sustainable long-term option at the back. Therefore, they could lure Lucumi away from Bologna if their pursuit of Hincapie fails to come to fruition.