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Jun 18, 20261
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Juventus, Roma and Bournemouth pursue Bologna defender Jhon Lucumí in summer transfer window
Juventus, Roma, and Bournemouth are pursuing Bologna defender Jhon Lucumí with transfer offers between £17.5 million and £19.3 million. With one year remaining on his contract and a €28 million release clause expiring mid-July, the 27-year-old Colombian international has become a key player at Bologna following his 2022 arrival from Genk.

Quick Facts
Who
Jhon Lucumí
What
Transfer interest in defender
When
June 2026
Where
Bologna, Italy
- Transfer interest in defender
- Multiple clubs submitting offers
- Release clause negotiation
- Contract renewal speculation
- Previous Sunderland transfer attempt
Jhon Lucumí, a 27-year-old Colombian defender at Bologna, has attracted the attention of three European clubs this summer, with reported transfer offers ranging from £17.5 million to £19.3 million. Juventus, Roma, and Bournemouth are all interested in acquiring the player during the upcoming transfer window. Lucumí's current contract with Bologna contains one year remaining, and while his release clause of €28 million (approximately £24.6 million) remains valid until mid-July, none of the interested clubs are expected to activate it. Once the clause expires, Bologna is anticipated to negotiate between €20-22 million for the defender's services.
Lucumí has established himself as a key figure at Bologna since joining from Genk in 2022. He has made 149 appearances for the Rossoblù and played a crucial role in the club's Coppa Italia victory in 2024-25, as well as their qualification for the Champions League. This season, he recorded a team-high 168 defensive actions in Serie A, averaging 1.4 interceptions and 0.5 blocks per 90 minutes—both ranking first and second respectively among Bologna players.
Previously, Sunderland made a determined effort to sign the international Colombian following their promotion, presenting contract offers and salary proposals. Lucumí was reportedly open to a move at that time, but Bologna refused to authorize the sale after losing other defensive options, and Sunderland did not resume negotiations in January. Barcelona has also been mentioned as a club monitoring his situation, though Lucumí's representatives have indicated he is settled in Italy and focused on Bologna.
With no new contract agreement in place, this summer represents potentially Bologna's last significant financial opportunity to sell the defender. The timing adds urgency to negotiations, as a strong performance at the Copa América could further increase interest and strengthen Bologna's negotiating position. However, uncertainty surrounding which club will secure his services—if any activate their interest before the release clause expires—means a resolution is unlikely before the end of June.
Why This Matters
This transfer pursuit highlights the summer market dynamics for defensive talent in European football. Lucumí's situation—with a high-value release clause expiring mid-July and significant interest from top-tier clubs—creates a critical negotiation window for Bologna to maximize their revenue before the clause expires. For potential suitors, this represents a timing-sensitive opportunity to acquire a proven Serie A defender at a discount before the formal negotiation period begins. The outcome could reshape Bologna's defensive lineup and influence the competitive balance across Serie A and the Premier League.
Timeline & Sources
Jan 1, 2022
WireJhon Lucumí transfers from Genk to Bologna