This is what I’m told about Sunderland signing Jhon Lucimi in January – Keith Downie
John Lucumi was on the verge of joining Sunderland in the summer transfer window.
Lucumi was linked with a move to Sunderland, yet ultimately the Black Cats opted to sign Lutsharel Geertruida and Nordi Mukiele instead.
The centre-back was keen on joining Sunderland, yet Bologna were unwilling to let the 27-year-old defender leave the club.
However, the interest hadn’t ended, with Sunderland scouts watching Lucumi play against Aston Villa during their Europa League clash against Bologna in September.
Sunderland quit interest in Jhon Lucumi
Whilst Lucumi was dropped from Bologna’s starting lineup in the 1-0 win over Como on 30 August, he has played eight games in all competitions for his side this season.
The Colombia international has enjoyed a few brilliant seasons in Italy, achieving Champions League qualification in 2023-24, before helping Bologna end their 51-year trophy drought by lifting the Coppa Italia last year.
His excellent performances in defence led to increased speculation that Sunderland may still eye up a move for Lucumi in the January transfer window.
| 2024/25 stats (per game) | Jhon Lucumi |
| Ground duels won | 2.5 |
| Interceptions | 0.8 |
| Tackles | 1.7 |
| Dribbled past | 0.4 |
| Clearances | 2.6 |
Sky Sports journalist Keith Downie has reported that Sunderland will not try to sign Lucumi due to the impact that Geertruida and Mukiele have made at the Stadium of Light.
Regis Le Bris is clearly happy with his new arrivals as Sunderland look build on their excellent start to life in the Premier League
Geertruida was signed on deadline day, and whilst the Dutch defender is slowly adapting to English football, his recent cameos off the bench indicate he could play a major role further down the line.
As for Mukiele, his signing has been classed as a masterstroke, with the French defender thriving for the Black Cats.
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Nordi Mukiele exceeding expectations at Sunderland
Promoted sides in the past have often signed young players who performed well in the EFL to guide them to Premier League safety, yet that strategy has massively backfired.
Sunderland have learnt from this, and the signings of Granit Xhaka, Reinildo, and Mukiele from top European clubs have gone down extremely well.
Mukiele has been excellent in a Sunderland shirt, with his versatility across the defence proving to be a huge asset for Le Bris.
The Frenchman has excelled at this level, using his prior experience at Paris Saint-Germain and Bayer Leverkusen to successfully perform in the Premier League.
As a result, it further establishes the news that Lucumi will not become a Sunderland player in January.
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