The Red Devils are working hard to strengthen their defense ahead of the upcoming season.
Manchester United have taken the first steps to negotiate the signing of Bologna centre-back Jhon Lucumí in this summer transfer window. The Colombian stopper is the new player of choice from the coaching staff to strengthen the squad rotation ahead of the new season.
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The English giants are now exploring the conditions that the Italian club have set for the release of the Colombian international, who is priced at €17.5 million and has one year left on his contract that runs until June 2027.
Manchester United want to sign Jhon Lucumi
According to Corriere di Bologna, the Italian management has opened the door for the stopper to leave the club – after they rejected a sale last summer. The CEO of the Italian club, Claudio Fenucci, has confirmed a verbal promise to the player to facilitate a transfer as long as the financial offer meets the club’s requirements.
The expiry date of the release clause on July 15 gives the Serie A club the exclusive right to set the final price of the deal. In addition, the original transfer agreement states that Genk is sitting on 20 percent of the resale price in the event of a future sale.
Lucumí’s performances at the 2026 World Cup have increased his value in the European market. The current contract is approaching a crucial phase, prompting the Italian club to negotiate a direct transfer as early as this summer – to avoid the player entering the final year of his contract without renewal.
Battle for Lucumí signing in Serie A and Premier League
Manchester United face tough competition from several Serie A clubs and teams in the English league in the hunt for the stopper. Juventus are keeping a close eye on the Colombian to strengthen their defence in the summer market.
In the UK, Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest have also shown interest in signing the stopper for the 2026/2027 season. But United’s interference is causing trouble for the other suitors – the Red Devils’ financial muscle enables them to put together a payment plan that few others can match.
The transfer will largely be about how quickly the British sports management formalizes a written offer. The management of the Italian club will wait until the market really gets going during the August weeks to assess whether the English bid lives up to expectations.
Manchester United are planning a formal meeting with the Italian club’s representatives before kicking off the regular season at home and abroad. The meeting will address Genk’s share of the resale clause and determine the transfer fee for Jhon Lucumí – so that he can be immediately incorporated into the squad.
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