Juventus are negotiating to sign Bologna centre-back Jhon Lucumí for below his previous buy-out value after the defender’s €28 million release clause expired. The Turin club plan to use a €20 million windfall from Tarik Muharemovic’s move to Leeds United to fund the deal, though Bologna may now demand an even higher fee.
The Colombia international has emerged as Juventus’s primary defensive target following confirmation that Muharemovic will join Leeds from Sassuolo for €40 million. Juventus hold a 50 per cent sell-on clause from the Bosnian’s original departure, guaranteeing them exactly half of that fee to reinvest immediately.
The negotiation landscape
Sources indicate that Juventus passed on the opportunity to re-sign Muharemovic for approximately €18 million, prioritising Lucumí’s Serie A experience and physical profile instead. The 28-year-old, who joined Bologna from Belgian side Genk for €8 million in 2022, is contracted until June 2027.
With the release clause window now closed, Juventus intend to negotiate a reduced fee with Bologna. However, the Emilia-Romagna club are under no obligation to sell at the previous €28 million mark and may hold out for a premium given renewed interest from abroad.
Competition for the defender
Juventus face rival interest from Inter, Sunderland and Nottingham Forest, all of whom have approached Bologna regarding Lucumí’s availability. Yet Inter appear unlikely to formalise an offer imminently; manager Cristian Chivu reportedly prefers recruiting a right-footed centre-back, whereas the Colombian is left-footed.
This dynamic could hand Juventus an advantage in negotiations, provided they move swiftly to meet Bologna’s valuation. The Bianconeri have already completed one summer signing, welcoming Jeff Ekhator from Genoa, but remain active in the market for defensive reinforcements ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.