Sunderland Receive A Big Boost Regarding Signing €25m Target: Should They Smash The Money This Summer? | OneFootball

Fresh updates from Italy show that Sunderland still want Bologna centre-back Jhon Lucumi after a summer deal hit the buffers. Reports from the major Italian paper Gazzetta dello Sport, via Sport Witness, reveal that the Black Cats showed real guts during the last window when they tried to sign the Colombian international.

Sunderland Chasing Bologna Defender Jhon Lucumi After Fresh Italian Transfer News

Even though the defender liked the idea of moving to the Stadium of Light, the Italian club stopped the move from happening. This rejection happened because the Rossoblu had already sold other star players, so the board refused to let another defensive pillar leave.

The report also mentions that Sunderland could have skipped these talks if they had just paid his €28 million release clause while they had the chance. Because the Wearsiders missed that specific window, Bologna took back control of the price tag.

Despite that mess, the player still hasn’t signed a new deal in Italy, and his contract runs out in the summer of 2027. This situation makes the next few months a massive crossroads since the 27-year-old plans to wait until the World Cup finishes before he decides his future.

Can the Black Cats Finally Get Their Man?

BOLOGNA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 26: Jhon Lucumí of Bologna FC during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between Bologna FC 1909 and SK Brann at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on February 26, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

As we hit March 2026, the situation for Jhon Lucumi looks much more fluid for both the player and his fans. During this 2025/26 season, the Colombian star has held the Bologna defence together with total calm, even with a pesky hamstring injury that kept him out for a bit in early 2026.

He has clocked over 1,400 minutes in Serie A so far, hitting a pass completion rate of around 93% and keeping his team in a solid mid-table spot. Finding a left-footed defender who can play out from the back remains a difficult task, and he looks ready to lead Colombia into the upcoming World Cup.

Should Sunderland Smash Their Transfer Record for Lucumi This Summer?

Looking at Sunderland right now, the team need a defender with Lucumi’s specific skills to stay competitive in the Premier League. Currently sitting 11th under Regis Le Bris, the Black Cats have let in 34 goals in 29 games. This tally suggests that a top-tier partner for Omar Alderete would turn them into real European hopefuls next season.

Even though his price has jumped to about €25 million, the fact that his contract ends in 2027 gives Sunderland a massive advantage if he keeps saying no to Bologna. I believe the club need to make a move fast before the World Cup starts, because a big tournament will bring in sharks like Manchester City or Manchester United. Signing a player of this level would fix the leaky defence and show everyone that Sunderland mean business for the 2026/27 season.