Al-Hilal ‘to rival’ Sunderland and Forest for Serie A target as Balogun update emerges | OneFootball

Sunderland and Nottingham Forest could face a Saudi Pro League challenge for Serie A centre-back Jhon Lucumi if they step up their interest, with a separate update on Folarin Balogun.

Il Resto del Carlino reports that Sunderland, Forest, Inter and Juventus are monitoring Bologna’s Lucumi, who is into the final 12 months of his contract. The outlet says Juventus tried to lower the fee by including youngster Vasilije Adzic, which Bologna rejected, and adds Lucumi could prioritise staying in Italy while Al-Hilal are also keen.

Al-Hilal have invested heavily in recent seasons, including on Karim Benzema, Ruben Neves and Joao Cancelo.

Sunderland have made one signing since last season, Belgium international Thomas Meunier on a two-year deal after leaving Lille. The full-back bolsters Regis Le Bris’ squad ahead of a first Europa League campaign.

Le Bris said this summer will be more targeted than last, when 14 arrivals were needed, and that he is likely to seek six or seven. He noted the market is slow and that waiting for the right deals is preferable to rushing.

Monaco striker Folarin Balogun made headlines at the World Cup when US president Donald Trump appeared to intervene over an overturned red card against Bosnia-Herzegovina. After a last-16 exit to Belgium, El Mundo Deportivo claims Sunderland and Borussia Dortmund are also providing very interesting options for the former Arsenal forward amid Juventus interest. The 25-year-old has two years left on his Monaco deal and is said to be valued at over £50m.

Source: Sunderland Echo