Full Breakdown
Manchester United joins a crowded chase for Bologna centre-back Jhon Lucumi
8/5/2026, 6:20:36 PM
Transfer race heats up
Manchester United have entered a competitive market for 28-year-old Colombian defender Jhon Lucumi, who is set to leave Bologna when his contract expires next summer. United are listed alongside Chelsea, Juventus, Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth as clubs actively pursuing the left-footed centre-back. Reports indicate that United have “made a move” and re-engaged with Bologna after earlier interest from other suitors.
Player profile and contract situation
Lucumi began his career at Deportivo Cali before moving to Genk in July 2018. He transferred to Bologna in August 2022 for €8 million and has since made 152 appearances for the Italian side. Internationally, he has earned 42 caps for Colombia and started all five of their World Cup matches, where the team conceded only one goal. With just 12 months remaining on his Bologna contract, the defender is widely expected to be available for a summer exit.
Competing bids and valuation
Bologna have set an asking price of €28 million (£24 million) for Lucumi. To date, three formal offers have been rejected: Juventus initially bid €15 million plus add-ons, later increasing to €18 million; Nottingham Forest submitted €25 million; and Juventus’s revised proposal remains below Bologna’s target. Chelsea have also expressed interest, linking their pursuit to a recent sale of centre-back Trevoh Chalobah to Como. Bologna CEO Claudio Fenucci confirmed the club’s willingness to sell if a “suitable offer” meets their valuation, while also noting that a previous attempt to move the player at the close of the last transfer window failed.
United’s defensive needs after Martinez injury
The pursuit of Lucumi follows an injury to Manchester United defender Lisandro Martínez during the World Cup final, prompting the club to reinforce its back line. With Martínez’s recovery timeline uncertain and other centre-backs such as Harry Maguire, Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven available, United view Lucumi as a potential long-term solution to replace the aging Maguire and add depth ahead of the new season.
Outlook
If United can meet Bologna’s €28 million demand, they would secure a defender who has proven himself at both club and international levels. However, the presence of multiple interested clubs and the club’s firm price suggest that negotiations will remain intense throughout the summer window. The outcome will shape United’s defensive roster and could influence the transfer strategies of their rivals.
