(Credit: Imago)

Bologna's stance on Jhon Lucumi now revealed as Sunderland eye January transfer

Alex is a lifelong Sunderland supporter who's been reporting on Mackem News since April 2025. Indeed, he started working for Breaking Media in April and has since graduated from St Mary's University as a NCTJ Gold Standard-accredited journalist, having completed his Master's degree in Sports Journalism. Alex previously worked for Football League World and has featured on the Roker Report, providing his opinion on all things Sunderland. While getting to the games is tricky, given his job, one of the highlights of his life was watching (and crying) as the Black Cats defeated Sheffield United at Wembley Stadium last season.

Published on:

12 Sep 2025, 6:00 am

Sunderland fought hard to land Jhon Lucumi from Bologna this summer, but to no avail.

The centre-back position was of prime focus to the Black Cats amid a lack of depth and a mini injury crisis.

Sunderland failed in a late bid to land Lucumi, with the Serie A side refusing to let him leave late in the window.

Now, Bologna have revealed their stance on the defender, with the Wearsiders keen to land him in January.

Jhon Lucumi playing for Bologna in their training kit.

The Colombian was a top target for the Wearside club (Credit: Imago)

Bologna to offer Jhon Lucumi lucrative new deal amid Sunderland interest

Bologna axed Jhon Lucumi following the Sunderland debacle, with his head clearly muddled by what unfolded.

Despite failing to land the Colombia international, Sunderland secured the signings of Nordi Mukiele and Lutsharel Geertruida.

However, with every chance that the Black Cats could move for the centre-back again in January, Bologna are now taking action.

On 9 September, Quotidiano Sportivo reported that Sunderland offered the defender a deal worth around £49,000 per week and made a formal bid, but the Italian side held firm and blocked the move.

Bologna are ready to do everything to keep Lucumi in Northern Italy, and will hold important talks next week about a new deal, according to Corriere dello Sport on 12 September.

The Colombian has made two appearances this season
He made a mistake against Roma that led to a goal on the opening day
Lucumi has made 111 appearances for Bologna

Furthermore, the Rossoblu are willing to increase the 27-year-old's current wages, and even if they won't match Sunderland’s offer, attempts from Sporting Director Giovanni Sartori will continue to keep Lucumi at the club.

The Colombian was reportedly keen to move to Wearside, but Bologna did not want to lose another first-choice centre-back.

Jhon Lucumi in Sunderland's 2025/26 home shirt amid speculation linking him with the Stadium of Light.

Will Lucumi ever wear the red and white of Sunderland? (Credit: Manh Tung - Breaking Media)

What happens if Jhon Lucumi rejects Bologna's terms?

While all the reports suggest that the 27-year-old will sign a new deal with his current club, there is still a chance he could reject their advances.

If he does, then Bologna would surely have to sell the centre-back in January if he does not want to be there.

Lucumi's current deal with the Serie A club expires in the summer of 2027, meaning he would have a year and a half remaining in January.

If he turns down Bologna, then would Sunderland be interested?

Well, that would depend on how the Black Cats are faring in the Premier League, and if they are struggling, then they may go back in for him.

Moreover, if Regis Le Bris' current cohort of centre-backs do not perform, then that would emphasise the need to strengthen.

Now, all eyes will be on Lucumi to see if he does indeed agree to put pen to paper.

Sign up for the Mackem News WhatsApp channel and turn on notifications to have all the latest, breaking Sunderland AFC news sent straight to your phone.

Jhon Lucumi