Jhon Lucumi - We Watched Him so You Don't Have to

Jhon Lucumi - We Watched Him so You Don't Have to

Sunderland have so far marked their long-awaited return to the Premier League in impressive fashion.

An excellent transfer window with some progressive signings, paired with a massive 3-0 win over West Ham at a raucous Stadium of Light to kick off their campaign, the club looks in good stead to stave off relegation.

But they are not done yet.

🚨🔴⚪️ EXCL: Sunderland submit official bid to Bologna for Colombian centre back Jhon Lucumí.

Lucumí, keen on joining #SAFC project to try new chapter in Premier League.

Bologna want to keep Lucumí after his release clause expired, clear intention not to let him go. pic.twitter.com/jhUMaVagC7

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 18, 2025

The club are currently pursuing a deal for Bologna centre back Jhon Lucumi with a bid of around £24m reportedly being readied today. But who exactly is Jhon Lucumi?

Well worry not, because we watched him so you don't have to...

Here is your comprehensive guide to Sunderland's latest target, who is he, how has his career gone so far, and most importantly, what will he bring to the table?

Who is Jhon Lucumi?

Lucumi began his career in his home country of Colombia playing for Deportivo Cali at the age of just 17.

He then moved to KRC Genk in Belgium in 2018/19 for £2.5m where he gained valuable experience in both the Europa League and Champions League.

Jhon Lucumí is a ridiculously impressive CB

One of the most composed I’ve seen in 23/24. Insanely secure on the ball, receives bad passes and deals with them so calmly

Yes I know, I can’t stop speaking about Bologna’s players, there’s too many top performers to not mention them pic.twitter.com/uFyytyvU7N

— Ben Mattinson (@Ben_Mattinson_) January 9, 2024

Lucumi then made his way to Serie A, which is where he really began to shine.

He played a massive role in Thiago Motta's eye-catching Bologna side and has been a mainstay in the Italian club's backline for the past three seasons.

Jhon Lucumi's Profile

Jhon Lucumi is very much a modern centre back but has a versatile skillset and can slot into a variety of different systems.

Standing at 6'2 tall, he has a very physical and athletic frame which would suit him well if he was to come into the Premier League.

Lucumi has pace to burn allowing him to operate well in a high-line set-up but also has the defensive awareness and discipline which make him very adept in a low block.

The Colombian is left footed, a trait sought after in centre backs due to its rarity, and he can play comfortably in either a back four or back five.

Perhaps his most desirable attribute, especially in the modern day, is his excellent ball-progression capabilities. Lucumi plays nearly four progressive passes per 90, with a 91% pass accuracy across the entirety of last season, and has an excellent ability to break lines, making him a useful against an opposition high press.

Lucumi also has exceptional ball-carrying skills, he sits in the top 12% of all centre backs for progressive carries per 90, once again profiling him as a perfect option as a modern centre back.

stats for our three (current) centre backs + jhon lucumi. those high percentiles in aerials won and clearances are absolutely perfect for a promoted side.

lucumi definitely a different profile, wins more ground duels + high in passing stats.#SAFC pic.twitter.com/rnpSy95vuI

— FPL Slopper ☆ (@FPLSlopper) August 20, 2025

Despite his obvious creative prowess, Lucumi also has very solid traditional traits as a centre back. He hasn't had to portray them too much in Bologna's front foot system, but still ranks in the top 15% of all centre backs for tackles.

Add on to that his previous showings when he was at Genk from a more defensive standpoint, and the 27-year-old becomes a perfectly well-rounded option any side would be lucky to have.

The Fit at Sunderland

As Previously mentioned, Sunderland have already done a lot of good business this summer, but if there was one area most in need of an upgrade- it would be the backline.

Despite already signing players like Reinildo and Nordi Mukiele from PSG, more Premier League quality is needed if they are to compete throughout the entire 38 game season.

John Lucumi would likely slot into right centre back in place of local lad Dan Ballard, with that being the most obvious of the two centre back positions an upgrade could come in.

Lucumi would probably come into the back four without a change of system being needed but his versatility would allow for Regis Le Bris to shift into a back five in the more difficult games.

Lucumi's defensive prowess could be crucial for Sunderland and, his experience of facing attackers of a very high calibre in both Serie A and the European competitions he has graced, could prove vital.

Similarly to that defensive prowess, the progressive abilities he possesses could help Sunderland massively in their transition from defence to attack.

They will likely be under pressure in a lot of games so having a player like Lucumi, with the ability to break lines and put them on the front foot could help relieve that pressure.

The Colombian has been linked with many clubs throughut this summmer window, including Spanish giants Barcelona.

🔵🔴 Jhon Lucumi, 26, is Barça’s must-have CB from Bologna! Top-tier defending, polished ball-playing, and a dynamic personality that fits the team. Only €22M!💰.With Christensen gone, Lucumi’s Barça-ready brilliance is a no-brainer. Sign him now! 🔥#LucumiToBarca pic.twitter.com/sJfOKK7Jtj

— Najaf Irtza (@najaf47183) June 8, 2025

If Sunderland are to get this deal over the line, there is no doubt it would be a massive coup, and would provide further strength to what could be the first newly promoted side to stay in the premier league for a good few years.