Sunderland edge closer to Lucumi agreement amid £19m+ update
Jhon Lucumi is a defensive target for Sunderland, and a move to bring the Bologna ace to the Stadium of Light could be edging closer.
Six new arrivals have checked in at the Stadium of Light, and the Black Cats still expect several more before their return to the Premier League.
Granit Xhaka has an agreement in place with Sunderland, while the Wearsiders have been looking at Lucumi as an option to bolster their defence.
The Bologna defender, who has been likened to Kalidou Koulibaly, could move on from Serie A this summer, with a move to Sunderland slowly becoming his most likely destination.
Bologna want over £19m to sanction Lucumi exit
With over £100million already spent this summer, Sunderland will be looking to use the majority of their remaining finances on their defence.
As per a report from La Gazzetta dello Sport’s print edition (pg 18, July 23), they may have to part ways with over £19m to seal a deal for Lucumi, who had an excellent campaign in Serie A last season.
Sunderland are said to have already had a £15m bid turned down for the dominant defender, though they will return with another offer, and given the margin between the actual offer and the asking price, it may not be long until an agreement is reached.
| Jhon Lucumi stats 2024/25 | Total |
| Appearances | 44 |
| Tackles per 90 | 1.98 |
| Pass completion % | 91.1% |
| Progressive carries per 90 | 1.15 |
The 27-year-old boasts a wealth of experience at the top level, while also occupying the left side of defence, which is likely to be the priority for the Black Cats.
Bologna want to tie the Colombian down to a new contract, with hopes of extending it to 2029, though the interest from the Premier League is said to be making it harder to strike a deal.
Sunderland are in safe hands
As shown from the recruitment so far this summer, Sunderland know what know what they are doing.
While the transfer outlay is big, the Black Cats have utilised it wisely, and look set to keep doing so throughout the remainder of the window.
If deals for Xhaka and Lucumi can be wrapped up, it would be two major coups for Sunderland, who will be no strangers to the task that awaits them in the Premier League.
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