Godwin ObajeSunderland Eye £24m Leeds Target Jhon Lucumí as Transfer Race Intensifies
Sunderland are preparing to rival Leeds United once again in the transfer market – this time plotting a move for Bologna’s highly-rated Colombian centre-back Jhon Lucumí, a player long admired by the Elland Road club.
Fresh from Premier League promotion, both Leeds and Sunderland have been regularly linked with the same players this summer. However, it’s Sunderland who appear to be winning the recruitment race so far – and Lucumí could be the latest name to follow that trend.
According to Gianluca Di Marzio, Sunderland are now pushing to activate Lucumí’s £24m release clause – a clause that is believed to expire imminently. Should they fail to act in time, they will have to negotiate directly with Bologna, who may demand a higher figure.
Lucumí, a commanding presence at the heart of Bologna’s defence and a Copa Italia finalist last season, has drawn significant interest across Europe. Leeds United had tracked the 25-year-old closely earlier in the window, but a move failed to materialise. Now, Sunderland are looking to swoop in.
The Black Cats’ summer business has been aggressive and decisive. They’ve already made six signings, splashing over £100m in the process – a stark contrast to Leeds’ more modest £30m outlay. And it’s not gone unnoticed among supporters.
Leeds fans have voiced growing concerns on social media, with many questioning the club’s ability to compete in the market – particularly when it comes to overlapping targets with their newly-promoted rivals. One supporter wrote, “It’s like Sunderland are using our shortlist and just bidding higher.”
Indeed, this trend has already been demonstrated. Sunderland beat Leeds to the signing of midfielder Habib Diarra, paying over £30m after Leeds had tabled a £22m bid. They also gazumped Leeds’ £11m offer for Noah Sadiki, instead sealing the deal for around £17.5m. Reinildo Mandava was also on Leeds’ radar, only for Sunderland to land the defender on a free transfer from Atlético Madrid.
If Sunderland succeed in landing Lucumí, it would mark the fourth time they’ve secured a player previously targeted by Leeds in this window.
There’s a sense that Sunderland, aided by stronger PSR flexibility after high-profile sales – including Jobe Bellingham’s move to Borussia Dortmund and Tommy Watson’s transfer to Brighton – are simply outmuscling Leeds financially.
Leeds have also held talks for several other targets now being courted by Sunderland. Jeremie Boga, for whom Leeds reportedly lodged a £13m bid, has now emerged on Sunderland’s list. Lucas Perri and Djordje Petrovic were also linked with both clubs, though Petrovic has since joined Bournemouth.
Meanwhile, midfield talent Neil El Aynaoui – also eyed by Leeds – is close to a move to Roma, according to Fabrizio Romano.
As the transfer window intensifies, all eyes will be on Sunderland’s next move. Should they trigger Lucumí’s clause before it expires, it would mark yet another blow to Leeds’ ambitions – and further fuel concerns among the Elland Road faithful that their rivals are leaving them behind.
Godwin Obaje
