Jhon Lucumi is an increasingly important defender for Bologna, but his entourage is stalling on a new contract, aware Sunderland aren’t the only club interested in an offer.

The centre-back is a regular in the starting XI, despite struggling with a tendon issue at the moment, so is gritting his teeth to push through the pain.

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Lucumi crucial for Bologna this season

BOLOGNA, ITALY – NOVEMBER 09: Jhon Lucumi of Bologna FC 1909 celebrates scoring his team’s second goal with teammates during the Serie A match between Bologna FC 1909 and SSC Napoli at Renato Dall’Ara Stadium on November 09, 2025 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

His current contract only runs to June 2027 and there has been a proposal for at least another two years, but so far a firm response has not arrived, confirming his entourage is taking time to consider other offers.

There will be no shortage of those, as last summer Bologna turned down the bid from Sunderland, who could well try again, along with others interested in the reliable left-footed defender.

BOLOGNA, ITALY – DECEMBER 04: Vincenzo Italiano, Head Coach of Bologna, looks on prior to the Coppa Italia Round of 16 match between Bologna FC and Parma Calcio at Renato Dall’Ara Stadium on December 04, 2025 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

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January tends to be a difficult month for certain choices, considering we are talking about a pillar of Vincenzo Italiano’s defence, so don’t expect an exit then.

If the situation remains the same next July, then Lucumi would be just one year off the contract expiry, pushing Bologna into a corner.