Sunderland told price for Jhon Lucumí slashed as Bologna struggle over contract talks – transfer reports
Bologna may cash in on Jhon Lucumí amid contract issues, but Sunderland are not currently preparing a January bid despite reports abroad
Sunderland were keen on signing Bologna defender Jhon Lucumí during the summer window and submitted multiple offers in an attempt to bring the Colombia international to Wearside. Despite strong interest, Bologna refused to sell, with the Serie A side holding firm as they attempted to keep their defensive unit intact.
Lucumí remains under contract until 2027, and Bologna are keen to extend his deal, but progress on fresh terms has so far proved difficult. According to Italian outlets, that contract standstill could open the door for a potential exit in January, with talks over a renewal described as complicated.
Fresh reports in Italy claim Sunderland are still monitoring the situation and could return with an offer significantly lower than the summer bids. It was widely reported that Sunderland initially put forward a deal worth €28million, approximately £24million, during the last window. As the contract situation now stands, sources in Italy suggest an offer in the region of €14million, around £12million, may be enough to tempt Bologna into discussions.
Bologna are understood to have begun exploring possible replacements, with Fedde Leysen, Diogo Leite and Rafa Marin among names linked abroad. The reluctance to lose Lucumí for free in 2027 means a sale this winter has not been ruled out. However, closer to home, the picture looks different. The Echo was told in October, Sunderland are not currently planning to revive a deal for Lucumí in January. Sources on Wearside were clear that he is not an active target despite previous admiration, and attention has since shifted elsewhere.
Having missed out on Lucumí in the summer, Sunderland instead moved for Lutsharel Geertruida, signing the Netherlands international from RB Leipzig on an initial loan with an option to buy. Though he has often featured at full-back, Geertruida was signed with centre-back capabilities firmly in mind and remains part of long-term planning.
At present, Sunderland are focusing recruitment efforts in other areas as preparations continue for the January window. Lucumí’s future remains uncertain in Italy, but as things stand, a renewed push from Wearside is not expected, Though, as we all know in the transfer market, that stance could change quickly if the defender becomes available for the right price.
Régis Le Bris offers injury update
Régis Le Bris says Sunderland midfielder Habib Diarra is set to miss next weekend’s Wear-Tyne derby, with the head coach admitting the fixture against Newcastle United will likely come too soon for the 21-year-old.
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Diarra has been stepping up his recovery following groin surgery earlier this season and had been in a race to return in time for the derby. While progress has been positive, Le Bris believes the timing will work against him. The Frenchman did, however, offer encouragement elsewhere, revealing that Reinildo is expected to return after sitting out the 3-0 defeat to Manchester City with a groin issue. "For Rei, it could be okay but for Habib, it would be too short, I think," Le Bris said.
Sunderland will also have Granit Xhaka and Noah Sadiki available for the derby after both avoided a booking at the Etihad. Le Bris moved to withdraw the pair late on, protecting them for Sunday’s clash, with Romaine Mundle and Simon Adingra introduced instead.
Le Bris later explained his decision not to turn to Dan Neil was to keep attacking momentum, with Lutsharel Geertruida pushed into midfield. "Yes, because we tried to stay in the game, to provoke something," he said. "I think with offensive players on the side, it was more or less the idea. It didn't work, but we tried."