‘Promised Him’ – Door Open For Nottingham Forest Target To Leave | OneFootball

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Bologna CEO Claudio Fenucci has lifted the lid on the promise made to Nottingham Forest target Jhon Lucumi, admitting the Colombian will be allowed to leave the Rossoblu this summer if the right offer arrives.

The 28-year-old came within touching distance of leaving the Italian outfit last summer after Sunderland made a determined push to prise him away from Serie A.

Regis Le Bris’ side made multiple approaches, but Bologna stood firm and ultimately convinced the Colombian to remain for another season.

Sunderland’s admiration in Lucumi did not fade, with the Black Cats keeping him on their agenda this summer as he entered the final year of his Bologna contract.

Premier League rivals Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth have also entered the frame for the defender, but the Colombian has no shortage of admirers in Italy either, with Juventus and Inter Milan both keen to bring him in.

A release clause in the defender’s contract remained active until last week, but none of his suitors were willing to meet the figure required to trigger it.

With that clause now expired, the Rossoblu are firmly back in control of negotiations and are understood to want around €25m before agreeing to part company with the Colombian.

Now Fenucci explained that Bologna convinced Lucumi to remain at the club last summer after deciding against a late sale, but only after giving the Colombia international their word that they would facilitate a move this year should the right bid arrive.

He also stressed that Lucumi’s departure is far from guaranteed, insisting the Serie A outfit would be more than happy to retain the centre-back if no acceptable proposal lands before the transfer window closes.

Fenucci was quoted by the Italian outlet Quotidiano Sportivo as saying: “A year ago, we couldn’t sell him at the end of the transfer window, but we promised him that this year, given a suitable offer, we’d make it happen.

“The transfer window hasn’t really taken off yet, and if it didn’t for Lucumi either, we’d be happy to keep him.”

Lucumi also enhanced his reputation on the international stage after playing a key role in Colombia’s World Cup campaign before their run came to an end in the round of 16.

With his international commitments now behind him, attention will turn to where the centre-back’s future lies, with the Tricky Trees hoping to win the race for one of the most sought-after defenders on the market.