Sunderland are running out of time to get a deal done for Jhon Lucumi

Sunderland’s hopes of signing Bologna defender Jhon Lucumí appear to be fading, with reports in Italy pointing to an increasingly complex situation.

Earlier this week, Il Resto del Carlino revealed that Bologna are under pressure, amid suggestions that Lucumí and his representatives are exploring legal assistance under FIFA’s Article 17—potentially allowing the player to terminate his contract. That uncertainty prompted Bologna to explore replacements, while Sunderland’s offer for the Colombian centre-back was already on the table.

However, Corriere dello Sport now reports that the Black Cats are racing against time. With each day that passes, Lucumí edges closer to remaining at Bologna, and a transfer to the Stadium of Light appears “pretty complex.”

Bologna's current stance

Bologna are said to be managing the situation “through dialogue,” having listened to the player’s demands. The Italian club also emphasised their own needs during a meeting this week with Lucumí’s agent at their headquarters.

Head coach Vincenzo Italiano is reportedly not forcing a decision on the 27-year-old, even though Sunderland’s bid remains on the table. The tone of the negotiations suggests Lucumí may be destined to stay, especially with the window closing fast.

Corriere dello Sport also noted that Sunderland were slow to formalise their approach—leaving them at risk of missing out with just a week remaining.

What missing out would mean and who else Sunderland are eyeing

For Sunderland, bolstering the defence before the window closes is the last critical priority.

Manager Régis Le Bris is keen to inject experience and leadership into the backline, an area already reinforced earlier this summer with signings like Omar Alderete, who joined from Getafe, and Nordi Mukiele from PSG.

Failing to land a centre back would leave the club short in the central defence department and Sunderland have been reportedly assessing alternative centre-back options to ensure depth:

• Pietro Comuzzo (Fiorentina): a promising 20-year-old Serie A defender attracting interest from Manchester United and Nottingham Forest too.
• Igor  Julio (Brighton): a 27-year-old centre-back with Premier League experience, seen as a practical short-term option.
• Kurt Zouma: the free-agent former West Ham and Chelsea defender brings valuable top-flight pedigree, though wage demands may be a barrier and he has injury record concerns.

Sunderland must decide quickly: persist with the Lucumí chase or pivot firmly to one of the reported alternatives. With just five days to go until the transfer window ends, the club’s defensive resources and their Premier League survival hopes may just hinge on getting a deal done before the deadline.