Sunderland make Lucumi new transfer priority after ‘significant’ update
Sunderland are interested in signing Bologna defender Jhon Lucumi.
The Black Cats have made a strong start to the transfer window, with six signings through the door already totalling around £100million.
Although their move for Armand Lauriente has collapsed at the last minute, Sunderland don’t look like stopping as they target Lucumi.
The 27-year-old is not short of suitors, after another great season in Italy, helping Bologna win the Coppa Italia.
Sunderland prioritise Lucumi with Bournemouth also interested
Sunderland’s defence has become the priority for new signings, with Reinildo being the only signing in the backline.
Loic Tanzi has reported via X (20 July) that Lucumi has become the Wearsiders’ top priority.
Competition to sign the Colombian is “significant”, with Bournemouth notably in the race, but the Black Cats hope that their efforts to sign the defender come to fruition.
Aston Villa, Roma and Juventus have also been mentioned as possible destinations.
Sunderland need to act fast to avoid another signing complication
Sunderland’s ability to conduct their transfer business with speed and secrecy has been admirable, as shown by their surprise deal for Simon Adingra.
However, although they have greatly enhanced their chances of surviving their first season back in the Premier League, more is needed.
Lucumi would be a great signing to pair next to Dan Ballard, but, as shown by the dramatic saga of Lauriente, no signing is complete until the contract is finalised.
| Jhon Lucumi stats 2024/25 | Total |
| Appearances | 44 |
| Tackles per 90 | 1.98 |
| Pass completion % | 91.1% |
| Progressive carries per 90 | 1.15 |
The Black Cats can’t expect to sign every single transfer target this summer; otherwise, the squad would become the most unbalanced in the Premier League next season.
However, with both the Colombian and Granit Xhaka potentially available, Sunderland would be hurting their survival chances by missing out again.
This is certainly one to watch in the coming days, as Florent Ghisolfi gets back to work.
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