Sunderland target Jhon Lucumi once made Champions League history with Bologna
Sunderland are targeting a move for Bologna centre-back Jhon Lucumi as they continue to strengthen their defence.
Lucumi has developed a strong reputation as one of the best defenders in the Serie A since moving to Italy from Belgian side Genk in 2022.
If the Colombian were to join the Mackems, he would be adding to an already strong defence, with Dan Ballard in particular showing his quality in Sunderland’s 3-0 win against West Ham.
Sunderland and Bologna are still apart in their valuation of Lucumi, but after what the 27-year-old showed in the Champions League last season, the Mackems should go all out to sign him.
Lucumi made history with Bologna’s first Champions League goal in 60 years
When Regis Le Bris was appointed Sunderland manager a year ago, no one would have thought that the Mackems would be bidding for players with Champions League experience after one campaign.
However, the Black Cats have been doing just that this summer, with Granit Xhaka adding to an already stacked midfield.
The Mackems have also brought in Omar Alderete and Reinildo to strengthen their backline, with Lucumi another potential new face through the door.
Sunderland have stepped up their efforts to sign the defender in recent weeks, and it is clear to see why.
Bologna surprisingly managed to qualify for the Champions League last season by finishing fifth in the Serie A in 2023/24.
Lucumi was crucial to helping the Italian side qualify for European football, as Bologna had the third-best defensive record in the league.
- Bologna conceded just 32 goals in the 2023/24 season
- Their defensive record was only bettered by Juventus (31) and Inter Milan (22)
On 27 November 2024, Lucumí scored Bologna’s first-ever goal in the UEFA Champions League.
Remarkably, this was the club’s first goal in the competition in six decades, earning him a place in the club’s history despite the match ending in defeat against Lille.
Who do Sunderland sign after Lucumi?
Should Sunderland complete the signing of Lucumi, it’s expected that they will need no more defensive reinforcements.
Instead, the Black Cats could turn to adding to their attack.
The Mackems showed that they don’t need to improve in the final third against West Ham, but they could use some added depth in the number nine position.
Youngster Marc Guiu won’t be able to take all of the weight from Wilson Isidor’s shoulders; therefore, they could look to sign Red Bull Salzburg forward Adam Daghim.
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