Lucumí keen to join Sunderland, but release clause expired

Originally posted on Football Italia | By Lorenzo Bettoni | Last updated Aug 18, 2025 8:12 AM ET

Fabrizio Romano reports that Bologna centre-back Jhon Lucumí is keen to join Sunderland, but the Rossoblu are unwilling to sell as the defender’s release clause has expired.

Sunderland are said to have made an offer to sign Bologna centre-back Lucumí.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano claims the newly promoted Premier League side have recently sent a formal bid for the Colombia international, something that Gazzetta already reported two weeks ago.

Sunderland already offered 25m for Lucumí

Gazzetta stated that Sunderland’s offer was worth €25m.

Romano reports that Lucumí is keen to join the Premier League club, but Bologna are unwilling to sell him after his release clause expired earlier this summer.

Bologna already sold two big players this summer

Bologna already sold Lucumí’s former defensive partner, Sam Beukema, to Napoli and attacking winger Dan Ndoye to Nottingham Forest.

Lucumí’s contract at the Stadio Dall’Ara runs out in June 2025, but Bologna are determined to offer the 27-year-old a new deal as stated by Bologna director Claudio Fenucci in July.

This article first appeared on Football Italia and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: