According to reports from Italy, English Premier League side Sunderland have made a €25 million bid to sign Bologna`s Colombian center-back Jhon Lucumi. The 27-year-old defender has also attracted interest from Spanish clubs Villarreal and Atletico Madrid.
Despite recently selling defenders Sam Beukema and Dan Ndoye, Bologna have not ruled out the possibility of transferring Lucumi. The Italian club is reportedly considering several potential replacements, including Diogo Leite from Union Berlin, Yusuf Akçiçek of Fenerbahçe, Fali Candè from Venezia, and Fedde Leysen of Union Saint-Gilloise.
However, some sources suggest Bologna may attempt to retain Lucumi by offering him a contract extension. The club has already brought in Martin Vitik as a replacement for Beukema, who was sold to Napoli.
Additional Defensive Changes at Bologna
In other defensive moves, Bologna is reportedly close to finalizing an agreement with Hamburger SV for Stefan Posch. The defender is expected to move to Germany for €5 million after completing a six-month loan spell at Atalanta.
To fill the gap left by Posch`s departure, Bologna has initiated contact with Napoli regarding Alessandro Zanoli. The young Italian full-back is currently the leading candidate to replace Posch in the squad.
As the summer transfer window progresses, it remains to be seen whether Sunderland`s substantial offer will be enough to secure Lucumi`s services, or if Bologna will manage to retain their prized defender.