Juventus Nears Deal for Jhon Lucumi as He Chooses Project Over Pay

Juventus have moved to the front of the queue for Jhon Lucumi, edging towards a deal that could reshape their defence for the next five years.

The Turin club have reached an agreement in principle with the Bologna centre-back over a summer move, securing the player’s approval after weeks of quiet but determined work behind the scenes. The hard part now lies between the clubs, not the player.

Lucumi picks Juventus over Premier League money

Lucumi’s choice cuts through the usual transfer noise. He had options, serious ones. Chelsea and Manchester United tested the waters. Nottingham Forest went further, reportedly putting a proposal on the table worth around €1 million net more per year than Juventus.

He turned it down.

The Colombian has agreed to a five-year contract with Juventus worth €2.5 million per season plus bonuses, backing the club’s sporting project over the lure of a bigger pay packet. For Lucumi, the appeal is clear: a bigger stage, European football, and the chance to stay in Serie A, where he has already proved he belongs.

Those inside Juventus view his decision as a statement. At a time when many players chase the highest offer, Lucumi has nailed his colours to the Bianconeri mast, impressed by how firmly the club pushed to bring him to Turin.

World Cup platform, Juventus priority

Lucumi’s rise has not come out of nowhere, but the World Cup accelerated everything. His performances on the biggest stage significantly raised his profile, particularly a commanding display in the group phase in which he effectively shut down Cristiano Ronaldo. That night changed perceptions. He stopped being just a solid Serie A defender and became a centre-back ready for a bigger platform.

Luciano Spalletti took note. Those World Cup performances turned admiration into intent. The Juventus head coach quickly moved Lucumi near the top of his defensive wish list as he looked to reinforce his backline ahead of the new campaign, targeting a defender with both Serie A experience and international pedigree.

Bologna hold firm – for now

Bologna, though, are not ready to simply step aside. They had protected Lucumi with a €28 million release clause, but that clause expired in mid-July. Even without it, the Rossoblu still value him at a minimum of €25 million.

The clock, however, is ticking. Lucumi is heading into the final ten months of his contract. Bologna know they cannot stretch their demands too far without running the real risk of losing him for nothing next summer. That tension now defines the negotiation.

Juventus have already tested Bologna’s resolve with an opening €17 million offer. It was swiftly rejected. No drama, just a clear message: they want more.

The next bid is already being prepared in Turin. To close the gap, Juventus are considering including Juan Cabal in the deal as a partial makeweight, a move that could soften Bologna’s stance while keeping the overall outlay closer to their own valuation.

Deal in sight

With the player fully committed to the move and Juventus intent on delivering Spalletti his defensive priority, there is a quiet but growing confidence in Turin that an agreement will be found.

The numbers still need to align. The final fee, the structure of the deal, any player involved in exchange – all remain on the table.

But one thing is no longer in doubt: Lucumi has chosen his path. Now it is up to Juventus and Bologna to decide how quickly he walks through the doors in Turin.