Sunderland send new and improved offer for Bologna defender Lucumi | OneFootball

Wednesday’s reports claim that Premier League side Sunderland have now submitted an improved offer for Bologna centre-back Jhon Lucumi after having seen an initial bid turned down for the Colombia international.

Sunderland improve Lucumi offer for Bologna

According to reports from Fabrizio Romano, Sunderland have submitted a new bid worth €28m, including a 10% sell-on clause for the Rossoblu.

The €28m offer matches the release clause fee that was active in Lucumi’s Bologna contract earlier this summer. That clause has since expired, however, which means that Bologna are not obliged to accept.

BOLOGNA, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 28: Jhon Lucumi of Bologna reacts after receiving a red card during the Serie A match between Bologna and Atalanta at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on September 28, 2024 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

The improved bid comes after an initial offer in the region of €25m, which was ultimately turned down by Vincenzo Italiano’s side.

Lucumi is reportedly Sunderland’s no.1 choice at centre-back, and recent reports have suggested that the 27-year-old is keen on a move to the Premier League.

Lucumi has spent the last three seasons in Serie A with Bologna, having originally joined for a fee in the region of €8m from Belgian side Genk. He has since gone on to make 94 appearances in the Italian top flight, and played a pivotal role in Bologna’s historic 2023-24 campaign, which led to their qualification for the Champions League.