Juventus Pursue Jhon Lucumi Amid Premier League Interest

Juventus have moved to the front of the queue for Bologna defender Jhon Lucumi, edging towards a deal that underlines both their pulling power and their new sporting direction.

An agreement in principle is already in place with the player over a summer move. The message from Lucumi has been clear for weeks: he wants Juventus, and he has kept the Bianconeri at the top of his list despite serious glances from England.

Chelsea and Manchester United both tested the waters. Nottingham Forest went even further, putting together a proposal that would have paid the Colombian around €1 million more net per season than Juventus. On pure numbers, the Premier League won. On ambition and appeal, Juventus did.

Lucumi has accepted a five-year contract worth €2.5 million per season plus bonuses. He has bought into the project, not just the pay packet. The chance to join a bigger club, stay in Serie A, and play European football has outweighed the extra money on offer elsewhere. For a defender at his age and stage, this is a career decision, not a cash grab.

His rise over the past year has been impossible to ignore. Lucumi’s stock surged after a commanding World Cup campaign, where he drew widespread praise for shutting down Cristiano Ronaldo in a key group-stage clash. That performance, in particular, resonated in Turin.

Luciano Spalletti took note. The Juventus head coach quickly identified Lucumi as a priority signing to reshape and reinforce his back line ahead of the new season. Strong in duels, composed on the ball, already adapted to Serie A, and with international experience, Lucumi ticks the boxes of a defender ready to step straight into a demanding environment.

Bologna knew what they had. They initially shielded their centre-back with a €28 million release clause, which expired in mid-July. Since then, their stance has shifted from rigid to strategic. They now value him at a minimum of €25 million, but the clock is ticking: Lucumi is entering the final ten months of his contract.

That is where the real tension lies. Bologna want a fee that reflects his importance and market value, yet they cannot push too high without risking the nightmare scenario of losing him for nothing next summer. Juventus are pressing on that pressure point.

The first offer from Turin, around €17 million, was rejected quickly by the Rossoblu. No surprise there. Bologna believe they can do better, and with a defender of Lucumi’s profile, they have grounds to stand firm.

Juventus are preparing a new proposal, one that will test Bologna’s resolve more seriously. To close the gap, they are considering including Juan Cabal, Lucumi’s compatriot, as part of the package. A player-plus-cash formula could give Bologna an immediate replacement and soften the financial blow of losing one of their key assets.

The player’s stance changes everything. With Lucumi already committed to Juventus, Bologna are negotiating from a position that is strong on valuation but weaker on time. Juventus know it. Bologna know it. The next bid will show just how far each side is willing to go.

In Turin, there is quiet confidence that the deal will be completed. Not loud declarations, not victory laps—just the sense that when a player chooses you over England’s money and waits for you to get it done, you usually find a way to finish the job.