Juventus 'have made contact' over £24.1m Jhon Lucumí as Barcelona monitor | OneFootball

Former Sunderland target Jhon Lucumí is attracting fresh attention, with Juventus interested and Barcelona also keeping tabs.

According to Sky Sport Italia, Juventus have made contact over a potential deal for the Bologna centre-back, who has a €28 million release clause valid until mid-July, roughly £24.1 million.

Sunderland pursued the Colombia international hard after promotion to the Premier League, submitting bids and a wage package, and he was thought to be open at one stage. However Bologna were reluctant to sell after losing other key defenders, and the move collapsed.

The Black Cats opted against reviving the move in January. Lucumí’s top-level experience, aggression and comfort in a possession game had appealed to Régis Le Bris and the recruitment team.

Lucumí joined Bologna from Genk in 2022 and has become a key figure, making 149 appearances and winning the Coppa Italia in 2024-25 while helping secure Champions League qualification.

This season he has delivered a team-high 168 defensive contributions in Serie A, averaging 1.4 interceptions and 0.5 blocks per 90 minutes, ranking first and second among Bologna players.

With one year left on his contract, Bologna face a decision, and this summer may be the last chance to command a significant fee unless he signs new terms. His agent has previously indicated he is settled in Italy. A strong World Cup with Colombia could further increase interest, although the clause offers clubs a clear figure before mid-July.

Source: Sunderland Echo