Bologna Open to Lucumi Sale Amid Interest From European Giants

Key Takeaways:

• Claudio Fenucci confirmed Bologna agreed last year to allow Jhon Lucumi to leave if they received a suitable offer
• Lucumi’s €28m release clause has expired, meaning any bids must be negotiated directly with Bologna
• Talks over a new contract for Lucumí have stalled, with his current deal expiring at the end of the season

Transfer Promises and Club Strategy

Bologna CEO Claudio Fenucci has acknowledged that the Serie A club is prepared to let Jhon Lucumi leave, following a prior assurance made to the Colombia international. Lucumi, who nearly joined Sunderland last summer, requested to stay for an additional season in exchange for the option to move on should a suitable offer come in the following transfer window. This arrangement has become particularly relevant amid reported interest from Juventus, Inter, and Manchester United.

🚨🇨🇴 Manchester United have joined the race for Bologna centre-back Jhon Lucumi.

[@corrierebologna,@Sport_Witness] pic.twitter.com/wa5hJqi35I

— SimplyUtd (@SimplyUtd) July 21, 2026

Release Clause Expires, New Negotiations Required

The negotiations take on added complexity since Lucumi’s €28m release clause is no longer valid, forcing interested clubs to work directly with Bologna to discuss potential terms. While Fenucci admitted the club made a commitment, he clarified that Bologna has not publicly defined what they consider to be an acceptable offer, granting the club greater leverage during any prospective discussions.

Contract Situation and Transfer History

Adding to the uncertainty, Lucumi’s current contract concludes at the end of the 2026/27 season, and talks for a renewal have yet to yield any progress. The defender, who turned 28 last month, made the switch to Bologna from KRC Genk in the summer of 2022 for €8m. As European clubs monitor his situation, Bologna’s flexibility regarding what is considered a “suitable offer” leaves multiple possible outcomes on the table.