Jhon Lucumi is looking increasingly likely to leave Bologna in the summer, and Sunderland are very interested in a transfer after failing to hire him a few months ago.
The defender was in the news as a transfer marker for Bologna last summer. The Black Cats made an offer to sign him immediately after his release clause expired. Those times were unfortunate for the Premier League club.
Lukumi was very curious – as covered sports witness in the past, but Bologna managed to hold on to it. The Rossoblu were proud of their decision, even though the Colombian had refused a renewal beyond 2027.
Fast forward to now, and Lukumi has yet to commit to a new deal and is looking to depart in the summer.
There is still interest from Sunderland but there is a new contender in the race.
AS Roma in the hunt
Forzaroma’s francesco balzani It is reported that Lukumi will be a prize asset for the summer transfer window. The journalist is confident that Bologna will not force him to stay and that he will not sign any new agreements.
Roma manager Gian Piero Gasperini has had a ‘long-standing crush’ on the South American since his time at Atalanta. They also attempted to sign him last summer and now, with Ivan Ndika leaving, a deal could become possible.
Roma could make up to €40m from the Ivorian’s exit and use that money to sign Lucumi.
Their biggest hurdle is Sunderland, who remain interested. It is believed that Colombians have long been in love with the Italian capital and have often expressed this on social media. But he might also like to go to England – as happened last summer.
The Premier League and additional finance should change this.
Sunderland transfer competition heats up
Given that Lukumi’s contract expires in 2027, it is no surprise that competition for him is increasing. In January, even Manchester City were mentioned as contenders, but it felt like a fleeting interest based on injuries.
While Sunderland have made progress this year, Lukumi may feel like he must compete for silverware.
He won the Coppa Italia with Bologna last season, and has also been playing in Europe for two seasons now. Ideally this is why he might prefer to join a major club that guarantees him playing at a high level.
That said, he clearly fancied a transfer to Sunderland last summer and has since established himself further.
🇩🇿 Sunderland | Anis Hadj Moussa and Yassine Titraoui
➡️Premier League club looking for pairing
💶 Offers may comehttps://t.co/QrjW8lP3Gd #safc– Sports Witness (@Sport_Witness) 11 March 2026
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