Juventus are preparing to reinvest a €20 million windfall from Tarik Muharemovic’s transfer to Leeds United in a move for Bologna centre-back Jhon Lucumi. The Serie A giants are set to receive half of the €40 million fee that Sassuolo have agreed with the Premier League club, activating a sell-on clause from the defender’s original €2 million move to the Neroverdi.
According to reports, the Turin club will immediately allocate these funds towards strengthening their backline. Lucumi has emerged as the primary target, though Juventus face a ticking clock regarding the Colombia international’s contractual situation.
The Lucumi situation
The 28-year-old defender, who joined Bologna from Belgian side KRC Genk for €8 million in the summer of 2022, has established himself as a key figure at the Stadio Dall’Ara. His current contract runs until June 2027, but a specific release clause valued at €28 million is reported to expire imminently.
Sources indicate that Juventus will attempt to negotiate a reduced fee with Bologna once the clause lapses, hoping to secure the experienced centre-back for less than the buy-out amount. The club reportedly passed on the opportunity to re-sign Muharemovic for approximately €18 million, prioritising Lucumi’s profile and Serie A experience instead.
The Colombian has been integral to Bologna’s defensive setup since arriving from Belgium, helping the club establish itself in the upper reaches of Serie A. His physical presence and ability to adapt to different systems align with the tactical requirements expected in Turin.
What happens next
The coming days will prove decisive in determining Lucumi’s future. With the release clause deadline approaching, Bologna may face pressure to either accept a discounted offer from Juventus or risk entering protracted negotiations later in the window. The defender’s established status in Italian football makes him an attractive option for a Juventus side seeking immediate defensive reinforcements.
Financially, the deal represents a significant markup on the €8 million Bologna paid Genk three years ago, though Juventus hope to complete the signing for closer to their €20 million budget than the full €28 million valuation.