Juventus press on for Lucumí with Cabal offered to unlock Bologna deal
Quick summary
Juventus are pushing to sign Bologna centre-back Jhon Lucumí and are offering Juan Cabal as part of the deal to convince Bologna.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceJuventus remain focused on signing Jhon Lucumí, with compatriot Juan Cabal emerging as the makeweight who could unlock the deal with Bologna.
According to Tuttomercatoweb , relaying La Gazzetta dello Sport, Lucumí has been identified by Luciano Spalletti as the ideal addition to complete his defence, and the Colombian has already made his preference for a move to Turin clear.
So much so that the Bologna centre-back, who has not renewed his contract, which expires in June 2027, has put other proposals, including offers from the Premier League, on hold, urging Bologna to find a compromise with Juventus.
VERONA, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 20: Juan Cabal of Juventus FC looks on during the Serie A match between Hellas Verona FC and Juventus FC at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on September 20, 2025 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Scaccianoce/Getty Images) Juventus’ Cabal the key to bridging Bologna’s valuation of Lucumí The sticking point remains the fee. Bologna value Lucumí at around €25m, but in recent hours they have begun to weigh the inclusion of a player in part-exchange.
The name that could grease the deal is Cabal, the former Verona defender, who has slipped out of Spalletti’s plans and is considered expendable. The clubs are now assessing Cabal’s valuation and the cash adjustment Juventus would need to add on top.
Lucumí, meanwhile, is pushing hard for the move, with Spalletti ready to hand him a central role in building his new-look defence, drawn to his left foot, his composure on the ball and his ability to start attacks from the back. Bologna’s willingness to negotiate is sharpened by the risk of losing him for nothing in 2027.
Should no agreement be reached, Juventus have alternatives in reserve. Contacts have continued over Jean-Clair Todibo , while free agent David Alaba, available following his Real Madrid departure, could return to the agenda, his experience and versatility making him a prestigious fallback.
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What happened
Juventus have identified Bologna's Colombian defender Jhon Lucumí as a defensive reinforcement and are accelerating negotiations. To facilitate the transfer, the Turin club are prepared to include Juan Cabal in the package for Bologna. Cabal, who joined Juventus last summer, would return to Serie A with Bologna as part of the swap arrangement. The operation would allow Juventus to land a player they have tracked closely while giving Bologna a direct replacement, smoothing the financial and squad-planning aspects of the deal.
Chance analysis
Lucumí would add physicality and aerial presence to Juventus's defensive line, addressing a clear area of need. Offloading Cabal simultaneously trims the squad and reduces wage cost, making this a financially efficient move for Juventus. For Bologna, gaining Cabal softens the blow of losing a key starter and signals continued ambition despite their Europa League commitments. The swap structure is notable because it bypasses pure cash outlay, which matters under Italian financial fair play constraints.
If completed, Juventus bolster their central defence with Lucumí while freeing salary space via Cabal's exit; Bologna lose a key defender but gain a ready-made replacement.
Monitor the completion of the Lucumí-Cabal swap: if confirmed, Juventus's defensive depth improves immediately while Bologna adjusts to a new centre-back pairing.