Bologna promises Lucumi can leave if suitable offer arrives
Quick summary
Bologna has reportedly informed defender Jhon Lucumi that he will be allowed to depart the club if an adequate offer is received during the transfer window.
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Attributed to original sourceAmid reports of Juventus, Inter and Manchester United interest, Bologna CEO Claudio Fenucci admits ‘we promised Jhon Lucumi could leave’ after a failed Sunderland transfer.
The defender had a release clause in his contract at €28m, but that has now expired, so any interested clubs must negotiate directly with Bologna.
BOLOGNA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 26: Noah Holm of SK Brann is challenged by Jhon Lucumi of Bologna during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between Bologna FC 1909 and SK Brann at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on February 26, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images) There are now reports of talks with Juventus, Inter and also Manchester United , after he had been on the verge of a move to Sunderland last summer.
Bologna made Lucumi pledge RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – DECEMBER 22: Jhon Lucumi of Bologna battles for possession with David Neres of SSC Napoli during the Supercoppa Italiana Final between SSC Napoli and Bologna FC 1909 at King Saud University Stadium on December 22, 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Abdullah Ahmed/Getty Images) “Lucumi could leave because this is what we promised to him last year,” confessed CEO Fenucci on Sky Sport Italia.
“We asked him to remain for one more year, promising that if a suitable offer came in the next summer, he could leave.”
Having said that, Bologna have not specified what they consider to be an acceptable proposal for the Colombia international, so have given themselves some breathing room on this pledge.
“We’ll see if a suitable offer arrives, in which case we’ll give him what he wants, otherwise he will remain with us.”
The situation is further complicated by the fact his contract only runs to the end of the current campaign, and attempts to negotiate an extension have not progressed.
Lucumi just turned 28 last month and came to Bologna from KRC Genk in the summer of 2022 at a cost of €8m.
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What happened
Bologna are open to selling centre-back Jhon Lucumi should a suitable bid materialise. The club had previously given assurances to the Colombian defender that he could move on if the right opportunity arose. Lucumi has been a regular at the heart of Bologna's defence, and any departure would require the Italian club to find a replacement. No specific clubs or transfer fee have been linked yet, but the statement signals Bologna's willingness to negotiate.
Chance analysis
Bologna are signalling openness to cash in on Lucumi, a key defensive pillar since their Coppa Italia run. If he leaves, Bologna lose aerial presence, ball-playing ability from the back, and Serie A experience — forcing them into the market for a centre-back. For suitors, this is an implicit green light to negotiate rather than a firesale, meaning price will still need to be met.
Bologna's defence could be weakened if Lucumi exits without a swift replacement, potentially affecting their Serie A competitiveness.
If Lucumi departs, Bologna's defensive depth weakens and a replacement signing timeline matters for their early-season projections.