Barcelona has set its sights on a rising Serie A star, whose standout performances have sparked an unexpected transfer pursuit.
FC Barcelona’s plans to add to their defense for the 2025-26 season have taken a turn as they are looking for cheaper options to support their LaLiga-winning squad.
Hansi Flick’s high defensive line has shown to be exposed at times, and the club is looking for a centre-back with a level head, tactical awareness, and ball-playing traits.
While Bayer Leverkusen’s Jonathan Tah is still their main centre-back target, they have considered that the uncertainty around a transfer will require a cheaper alternative from Serie A, with their budget-friendly plan.
Based on Fichajes, Barcelona has earmarked Bologna’s Jhon Lucumí, a 26-year-old Colombian defender who is doing well in Italy.
Lucumí was instrumental in Bologna winning the Coppa Italia and has received accolades for his composure and range of passing.
With 28 Caps for Colombia and his maturity in Serie A, he is an inviting candidate for the club.
Barcelona’s coaching staff believes that he can read the game well and aid in good build-up play, attributes they consider to be essential to their way of playing.
Lucumí’s contract has only one year remaining, which makes him even more attractive for Bologna. They will likely only want an approx.
€18m transfer fee–which is a steal for a player of his ability. Barcelona, with potential financial considerations, could reinforce their back line with Lucumí, especially if Andreas Christensen’s future is uncertain, and Iñigo Martínez is aging.
The fact that Lucumí is now being chased by a club with Champions League intent adds to the belief that a move could happen.
But Lucumí’s profile makes sense with the additional appeal of good defending, good distribution, and value in the market.
As for Barcelona’s interest in a Colombian defender, I’ve seen him linked with both Atlético Madrid and Liverpool.
As the summer window approaches, they are looking to maintain a healthy competition in Europe.
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