adminDEAL DONE IMMINENT? Sunderland Raise Bid to €22 Million for Leeds United Transfer Target
Sunderland Increase Offer to €22 Million for Leeds United Target Jhon Lucumí
Sunderland has stepped up its pursuit of Bologna defender Jhon Lucumí by submitting an improved bid that edges closer to the Serie A club’s asking price.
The Colombian international, also a reported target for Leeds United and several Premier League sides, has attracted increasing interest this summer.
According to Quotidiano Sportivo, Sunderland is now prepared to offer €20 million upfront, with an additional €2 million in performance-based bonuses—bringing the total to €22 million.
Bologna is reportedly holding out for €25 million for the 27-year-old center-back.
Lucumí is also said to be on the radar of Bournemouth, although there’s no clear indication yet that the Cherries have taken formal steps to pursue a deal.
Back in May, TBR Football revealed that Leeds United were among several English clubs monitoring Lucumí. Other clubs mentioned as admirers included Liverpool, Chelsea, Tottenham, Brighton, Brentford, and Crystal Palace.
Journalist Marcello Giordano, writing for Quotidiano Sportivo, noted:
“Sunderland are awaiting a response from Jhon Lucumí.
Under the guidance of their new sporting director, former Roma executive Florent Ghisolfi, they’ve increased their bid to €20 million plus €2 million in bonuses. It now depends on whether the Colombian defender is willing to make the move.”
However, this isn’t the first time Sunderland have tried to secure the Colombian’s signature.
A few weeks ago, Il Resto del Carlino reported that Lucumí had turned down an earlier proposal from the club, expressing a preference to join a team competing in European competitions—ideally the Champions League.
“The interest was serious,” the report noted, “but his goal is to play for a club involved in European tournaments, especially the Champions League.”
Despite that setback, Quotidiano Sportivo claims Sunderland remains hopeful they can convince Lucumí to sign.
In addition, interest in Lucumí is growing in Italy, with both Juventus and Inter Milan reportedly tracking the center-back.
Given their Champions League credentials, either club would be well-positioned to match Lucumí’s ambitions should they choose to make a formal move.
Godwin Obaje
