Juventus ‘make contact’ over £24.1m Lucumí clause as Barcelona circle | OneFootball

Sky Sport Italia reports that Juventus have made contact over a deal for Bologna centre-back Jhon Lucumí, a former Sunderland target. His release clause is €28 million, valid until mid-July, around £24.1 million.

Sunderland, newly promoted to the Premier League last summer, made official bids and tabled wage terms for the Colombia international. He was understood to be open to the move at one stage.

Bologna were reluctant to sanction a sale after losing other key defenders and the transfer collapsed. Sunderland did not revive their interest in January.

He joined from Genk in 2022 and has become one of Bologna’s most important players, helping them win the Coppa Italia in 2024-25 and secure Champions League qualification.

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

With one year left on his contract, Bologna face a decision, and this summer may be their last realistic chance to secure a significant fee. Barcelona are also said to be monitoring the 27-year-old, while a strong World Cup with Colombia could further heighten interest.

Source: Sunderland Echo