Sunderland to pay premium for Jhon Lucumi as Dan Ballard concern emerges vs Burnley
Sunderland are still looking to bolster their defence with the signing of Jhon Lucumi.
Sunderland’s opening day euphoria was quickly subdued by a 2-0 defeat away to Burnley on Saturday afternoon, courtesy of goals from Josh Cullen and Jaidon Anthony.
Burnley had a goal chalked off at Turf Moor in the early stages of the game, after Jenson Seelt was adjudged to have been fouled by Lyle Foster before dispatching well into the far corner.
However, Seelt was only introduced to the game as a substitute after Dan Ballard suffered a worrying injury less than 10 minutes into the game.
Dan Ballard absence will increase fee needed for Jhon Lucumi
If Ballard is to be out for any length of time, it is going to be a big blow for Sunderland.
However, it could also serve as a blow in their pursuit of Lucumi.
Sunderland have made no secret of their desire to sign Lucumi this summer, but with Bologna paying hardball over his exit, they will now have extra leverage.
They will be aware of Ballard’s injury, which will have heightened Sunderland’s need for defensive reinforcements in the final eight days of the transfer window and will have almost certainly added a premium on Lucumi’s head.
The Colombian was named in Bologna’s starting 11 to face Roma on Saturday evening, showcasing the fact that nothing is close in terms of an agreement.
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What did Regis Le Bris say about Dan Ballard’s injury?
Especially after Ballard’s heroics in Sunderland’s win over West Ham, they will be hoping that his latest setback is nothing serious.
However, it is not yet known how severe his injury is, as confirmed by Regis Le Bris after the defeat to the Clarets.
In quotes reported by Sunderland Echo, Le Bris said: “When we pressed high, they went long all the time, and Ballard is always really important in that situation, so we’ll wait until Monday to have a diagnosis. I don’t know yet how serious it is.”
Nordi Mukiele’s arrival at Sunderland will somewhat subdue some of those concerns, but if Ballard is missing for a substantial period of time, another centre-back will be needed.
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