Barcelona Eye Bologna's Lucumi as Defensive Target
Barcelona are considering a move for Bologna defender Jhon Lucumi as they continue to search for a left-footed centre-back, according to reports in Italy. The Colombian international has emerged as a potential alternative to the club's primary target, Inter Milan's Alessandro Bastoni.
According to a report from Il Resto del Carlino, cited by Tutto Bologna, the 27-year-old Lucumi is on a list of potential defensive reinforcements for the Catalan club. The report suggests Barcelona are exploring options should a deal for their top target, Inter's Alessandro Bastoni, prove too difficult or expensive to complete this summer.
Lucumi, who has 35 caps for Colombia, has been a key figure for Bologna, who are on the cusp of securing a historic UEFA Champions League qualification. The left-footed defender is entering the final year of his contract, and with no new deal agreed, a summer sale is considered likely. The report suggests a fee in the region of €25 million could be enough to secure his signature, a figure significantly lower than what would be required for Bastoni.
Barcelona's interest in Lucumi is not new; the club was first linked with the defender in 2024. His profile as a left-footed, ball-playing centre-back fits the stylistic profile Barcelona seek. He joined Bologna from Genk in 2022 for a reported €8 million and has been instrumental in the club's rise, culminating in their Coppa Italia victory this season and a likely top-four Serie A finish.
However, Barcelona are not the only club monitoring the situation. The report also mentions Premier League sides Bournemouth and Sunderland, as well as Turkish giants Fenerbahce and Galatasaray, as holding an interest in the player. This suggests Barcelona would face competition and may need to move quickly if they decide to formalise their interest.
The pursuit of Lucumi is set against the backdrop of Barcelona's ongoing financial challenges. Director of Football Deco is reportedly planning significant player sales to fund moves for primary targets, with Ferran Torres and Marc Casadó named as potential departures. The pursuit of a left-footed central defender is a priority for manager Xavi Hernandez, with Bastoni remaining the primary objective. However, the potential cost of a deal for the Italian international may force the club to consider more affordable alternatives like Lucumi.
A move for Lucumi would represent a more budget-conscious approach, allowing Barcelona to allocate resources to other areas of the squad, such as their pursuit of a top central midfielder and a left-winger. The Colombian's experience in Serie A and in international football, combined with his contract situation, makes him a viable and financially pragmatic target as Barcelona look to rebuild their defensive line.
