Manchester City transfer breaks down for Serie A defender after weekend injury | OneFootball

A rising Serie A defender’s potential move to Manchester City has effectively been called off after he suffered an injury at the weekend, according to Italian media.

Bologna defender Jhon Lucumi was thought to be keen on a switch to the Etihad Stadium and was looking for an approach from the club’s officials as they chase a seventh Premier League title in nine seasons.

Pep Guardiola will feel entitled to search the market for defensive depth after injuries to Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol, two of the City manager’s most used players this season, resulted in the pair being sidelined for around six weeks and four to five months respectively.

But for Lucumi, it may feel like fate is trying to keep him away from the Premier League. In the summer, the defender came very close to joining Sunderland and would have done so if the player’s clause cut-off wasn’t missed.

In January, while a deal with City was in its earliest stages, the Colombian defender was substituted against Como in the Serie A at the weekend, likely due to picking up an injury that will keep him out for a number of weeks, as reported by Il Resto del Carlino and relayed by Sport Witness. 

The report also suggests that there is a chance the 27-year-old won’t play again in January – which at present means the summer is the next logical period for a transfer to the Premier League. His injury largely intensifies Bologna’s backline struggles too, meaning they must now bring in a replacement for the short-term. 

The newspaper claims Lucumi’s entourage already held initial discussions with Manchester City officials. Talks also took place with other Premier League clubs but any move will now have to wait until the summer. 

Although it’s a burden on all parties, the injury to Lucumi may somehow end up helping Bologna, especially if he returns earlier than expected. The club’s sporting director Marco Di Vaio had appeared keen on keeping the South American beyond January. 

It trims down the January defensive reinforcement shortlist for City sporting director Hugo Viana but with Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi a top priority, Guardiola’s defensive options are due to be bolstered in the coming weeks.

Guehi’s agent is believed to have met with Manchester City officials at the weekend but the Blues are finding difficulty in finding a solution that works for both the player and Palace; the 25-year-old is promised likened signing-on bonuses if he leaves on a free transfer this summer. 

The centre-back, who has been capped 26 times for England and is Thomas Tuchel’s strongest option at the back ahead of this summer’s FIFA World Cup, was a hair’s breadth away from signing for Liverpool last summer – but a breakdown in talks stalled his departure from Selhurst Park.

Talks are expected to continue this week with City officials, though Arne Slot’s side are also in the frame to add Guehi to their squad. A late twist could ensue but the Blues are likely to succeed given their heightened stature in modern times.