Sunderland transfer chiefs on wasted trip for Jhon Lucumi despite recent Aston Villa developments
Sunderland tried desperately to lure Jhon Lucumi to Wearside this summer, but to no avail.
The Colombia international was a primary target for the Black Cats as they strived to add quality to the heart of their defence.
However, Bologna were unwilling to part with Lucumi, having already lost one of their starting centre-backs.
Despite the transfer window closing, it seems that Sunderland are still eyeing a move for Lucumi, but does Regis Le Bris need him?
Sunderland sent scouts to watch Jhon Lucumi at Villa Park
Lucumi may still end up a Sunderland player, with the Wearsiders said to be plotting a January move for his services.
The Colombian endured a hectic transfer window and seemed to have his heart set on a move to the Stadium of Light.
However, Lucumi did not get what he desired and is now a regular starter once again for Bologna after his costly mistake against Roma.
While he did not get his move to Sunderland, the defender did travel to England last week to face Villa in the Europa League.
The centre-back had the gaze of the Wearsiders’ scouts on him at Villa Park, according to Corriere dello Sport on 30 September.
Nonetheless, he was powerless to prevent a Villa win as Unai Emery’s side secured a rare victory on home soil.
Jhon Lucumi could disrupt Regis Le Bris’ backline
Le Bris’ defence delivered a masterclass against Nottingham Forest and are proving a tough proposition for Premier League sides.
Indeed, Sunderland recorded their second successive away clean sheet in the league and have only conceded four goals in six matches.
Much of that success has been down to Nordi Mukiele and Omar Alderete, who have built a brick wall in the middle of the Black Cats’ backline.
Even if the Wearsiders have to make do without either of them, there is the prospect of Dan Ballard in waiting, who is only a substitute because of the injury he suffered against Burnley.
When comparing Lucumi to Sunderland’s defenders, the 27-year-old comes up short in almost every statistic, although Ballard’s data is slightly skewed because of his minutes.
| Statistics | Lucumi | Mukiele | Alderete | Ballard |
| Appearances (starts) | 5 (3) | 4 (4) | 6 (5) | 4 (2) |
| Goals | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Interceptions | 0.6 | 1 | 1.7 | 0.3 |
| Tackles per game | 1.6 | 2.8 | 1.7 | 0.5 |
| Ground duels won | 58% | 76% | 67% | 100% |
| Aerial duels won | 33% | 61% | 45% | 59% |
| Errors leading to goals | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
While it might be unfair to judge the Bologna defender’s statistics this term, because of what unfolded over the summer, they suggest that Le Bris is better off without him.
However, if Sunderland are still hellbent on bringing him to the Stadium of Light, then there is every chance he could be wearing red and white soon.
Enjoyed this article? Stay connected with all the latest Sunderland news, updates, and behind-the-scenes content by following us on our new Instagram account –@mackemnews247