Bologna demand €25m for Lucumi as Juventus weigh cheaper Muharemovic alternative
Quick summary
Bologna have set a €25m asking price for defender Lucumi, prompting Juventus to consider a cheaper alternative in Muharemovic.
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Attributed to original sourceJuventus are pursuing a twin-track defensive recruitment strategy this summer, with Giovanni Carnevali weighing a move for former Sassuolo defender Tarik Muharemovic alongside the club’s primary target Jhon Lucumi, and holding a significant structural advantage in the Muharemovic pursuit that could make it the more financially attractive of the two operations.
Juventus retain 50% of any future Muharemovic sale from their time developing the Bosnian at the Next Gen side, a clause that forced Sassuolo to inflate their asking price when Inter explored a deal earlier this summer, ultimately complicating those negotiations.
Carnevali now intends to exploit that leverage, with Sportal reporting the Bianconeri could secure Muharemovic at a reduced cost by effectively purchasing back a share of a player they already part-own.
TURIN, ITALY – MARCH 21: Francisco Conceicao of Juventus and Tarik Muharemovic of US Sassuolo Calcio battle for possession during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and US Sassuolo Calcio at Allianz Stadium on March 21, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images) Bologna demand €25m for Lucumi as Juventus race against mid-July release clause deadline The Lucumi situation carries its own urgency as Bologna are asking €25 million for the Colombian centre-back, as per CalcioMercato.it, having rejected Juventus’s opening offer of €18-20 million.
Crucially, a release clause of €28 million is only valid until mid-July, after which Premier League clubs could enter the auction and drive the price significantly higher.
Spalletti first identified Lucumi as a defensive priority in January, and Juventus are keen to avoid a repeat of that window’s complications.
Muharemovic, meanwhile, is representing Bosnia at the World Cup, having missed the Qatar game through suspension after his red card against Switzerland.
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What happened
Bologna are holding firm on a €25 million valuation for central defender Lucumi, who has attracted interest from Juventus. The high price tag has led Juventus to explore a more affordable option in Muharemovic as a potential alternative reinforcement in defence. This comes as Juventus look to strengthen their backline, with the club weighing whether the Colombian international is worth the premium or if the Bosnian Muharemovic offers better value. The negotiation reflects a broader Serie A market trend where selling clubs are commanding strong fees for key defensive assets.
Chance analysis
Lucumi's valuation reflects his importance to Bologna's defensive system, having been a key player in their recent competitive campaigns. Juventus exploring a cheaper alternative suggests they are unwilling to overpay in a constrained financial environment, possibly indicating a pivot to a more budget-friendly profile. For prediction systems, Juventus' defensive recruitment could affect their clean sheet probabilities and defensive solidity metrics next season. Bologna losing Lucumi would weaken their defensive depth significantly.
Juventus may end up with Muharemovic instead of Lucumi if Bologna don't lower their €25m asking price, affecting their defensive reinforcement plans.
Monitor whether Juventus sign Lucumi or pivot to Muharemovic, as the incoming defender will shape their defensive line for next season.