Exclusive: Agent Hints at Exit as Sunderland Continue Chase for Bologna’s Jhon Lucumí

Sunderland have not given up hope of signing Bologna centre-back Jhon Lucumi, SportsBoom can exclusively reveal.

The Black Cats had multiple bids for the Columbia international rejected before the summer transfer window closed.

Sunderland’s last offer of £24million was dismissed earlier this month, but the Black Cats hope an offer in the region of £30million could seal the deal.

Lucumi signed for Bologna in August 2022 on a five-year-deal, but the club stood firm and have since said they would like to extend the 27-year-old’s contract.

AGENT TALKS

And Lucumi’s agent has gone on record as saying he hopes that the Bologna can “find a balanced and positive solution” for a deal to be done.

He added: “From the beginning, our project was linked to a stay of two or three years, recognising in Jhon a constantly growing player."

"Last year we were asked to stay and we did so with great availability. This year, however, since the beginning of the season, the message has always been clear on both sides: if the right offer had arrived, Jhon would have had the possibility of a transfer."

“I understand the importance of the club and the player, and I only expect that our request can also be understood.”

Lucumi started his career with Spanish side Deportivo Cali before a move to Belgian Pro League Genk, before becoming a mainstay of the Bologna team.

This summer Sunderland have bolstered their squad with 14 new signings, splashing out a combined £153.3m plus £29.8m in add-ons.

Centre-back Omar Alderete joined from Getafe while the Black Cats also strengthened with new full-backs, but central defence remains a priority with only Dan Ballard the club's other main central defence. 

Full-backs Nordi Mukiele and Arthur Masuaku can both play in central defence, and have done already this season, but Black Cats boss Regis Le Bris wants more cover in the for the club's first season back in the Premier League.