Lucumi and Bologna expect new and improved Sunderland bid | OneFootball

Sunderland are expected to make a new and improved offer for Bologna defender Jhon Lucumi that reaches €28m.

The centre-back has long been a strong transfer target for the Premier League side, and is reported to be interested in accepting their proposal.

However, the release clause in his contract set at €28m expired on July 10, and Bologna are reticent to part with him after already selling Sam Beukema to Napoli.

Sunderland not letting go of Lucumi

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)

According to Tuttomercatoweb, a new offer is ready worth €28m, an improvement on the €25m that had been rejected.

It might still not be enough, considering this would match the release clause that has already expired.

What might give them pause is that Lucumi’s contract only runs to June 2027 and it will be difficult for them to get him to sign a new deal in these circumstances.

They had been able to extend from 2026 thanks to their unilateral clause, so had no need to negotiate with the player or his entourage.