Manchester United have thrown their hat into what’s becoming a very crowded ring for Bologna centre-back Jhon Lucumi. The Colombian defender, fresh off World Cup duty, is attracting interest from across Europe and beyond, with a release clause that makes him one of the more reasonably priced defensive targets available this summer.
According to Italian outlet Il Resto del Carlino, United have entered the pursuit of Lucumi in July 2026. They’re far from alone. Nottingham Forest and AFC Bournemouth are also circling from the Premier League, while Turkish clubs and Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal have expressed interest of their own.
Lucumi’s contract with Bologna runs until June 2026, which puts the Italian club in a tricky negotiating position. That timeline essentially means Bologna either sell now or risk losing him for nothing. A release clause of approximately €28 million, roughly £24 million, sweetens the deal for potential buyers.
Born on June 26, 1998, the Colombian has been a consistent presence in Bologna’s defense since arriving in August 2022. Before his time in Italy, he racked up 91 appearances for Belgian side Genk, giving him a solid foundation of European football across two different leagues. He has made 123 appearances in Serie A for Bologna.
