JHON LUCUMI: WHO ARE YOU?

In recent days, reports have claimed that Sunderland have a keen eye on Colombian international centre-back Jhon Lucumi of Bologna. Here are some background details so you know exactly who he is.

Born in Colombia on June 26, 1998 (making him 27), his youth career began quickly at his hometown club of Deportivo Cali in 2007. Rising the ranks as a breakout star, Lucumi eventually made his senior debut in July 2015 followed up by his first start on February 17th, 2016, in a match against Fortaleza CEIF. Following this, Jhon remained at his boyhood club for a further three years - in which he gathered 54 games until he was bought by Belgian club Genk for a fee of around £2.5M in July 2018.

In his time in Belgium, he quickly made his name known, playing eight games in the Europa League and 39 across all competitions in his debut season, which was also a title-winning campaign for the club. In July 2019, the side also lifted the Belgian Super Cup. Then, in 19/20, Jhon made his Champions League debut and even scored his first club goal in a 6-2 defeat to RB Salzburg. Despite a disappointing league campaign, finishing seventh, the defender featured in much of the overall season and played 29 games. He also claimed another Belgian cup to his name in the 20/21 campaign, beating Standard Liege in the final.

His days in Belgium would draw to a close in August 2022, when he departed to Serie A club Bologna for a reported cost of £8M. His debut came days later, playing the full 90 in a 2-0 defeat to AC Milan. Playing 34 games in his debut season, he was proven to be a reliable member of the backline as Bologna finished in 13th.

His time as a regular for the side continued in an exciting 23/24 season which ultimately ended in a 9th place finish as he featured 31 times in the league and cup. Despite nothing domestically, he grew to become known for his fitness and consistent availability as they qualified for the Champions League for the first time in 60 years which was a truly historic moment for them while finishing 5th.

In his most recent (and possibly final) season in Italy, he scored again in the Champions League in which they lost to Lille and were swiftly eliminated from the competition. Even though their European hopes were cut short, the club still pulled off an impressive win in the Coppa Italia against AC Milan, their first since 1974. Jhon featured in the match too.

On the international level he has also been a particular star. A long-standing representative of his country since youth level, his senior debut came on the third of June 2019 in a friendly against Panama. Additionally, he was amongst the names chosen for the 2024 Copa America in which Colombia finished as the runners-up. – although he only played one game during that competition and struggled with thigh problems. In 2025 he has been a regular appearance-maker in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

A highly reliable defender who can be a much-needed reinforcement to the Mackems’ backline, Lucumi is sure to add some quality to the side if we can meet Bologna’s reported €20M asking price. With Luke O’Nien, Aji Alese, Dennis Cirkin and Leo Hjelde all set to miss the start of the Premier League season through injuries, the South American would slot straight into that left hand side of defence.