Legal battle may be on way after failed Sunderland move – Player accepted Black Cats January Transfer offer

Last week, Corriere dello Sport reported that Bologna are ‘ready to do anything’ to keep Jhon Lucumi, amidst interest from Sunderland.

A move to the Stadium of Light didn’t go through in the summer but there was an indication that the Black Cats can have a chance of landing the defender, if he doesn’t accept a new contract at Bologna.

Quotidiano Sportivo report today that the Italian side are facing moments of tension, when it comes to the Colombia international.

This isn’t just because Lucumi requested a move to Sunderland and had agreed to join on a contract worth €3m, but because he has not responded to Bologna’s new contract offer.

The Rossoblu have put forward €1.5m net in wages on a deal that runs until 2029, but have received no response.

The outlet believe the 27-year-old and his entourage could be prepared to invoke FIFA’s Article 17 to secure his release upon payment of a clause after more than three years at the club.

This can help Sunderland secure the centre-back on favourable terms, having pursued him throughout August.

In the meantime, Bologna CEO Claudio Fenucci has made it clear that Lucumi is yet to respond to a contract offer, but he remains professional.

He told at a press conference yesterday, relayed by Tuttomercatoweb: “We’re waiting for a response. We’re happy he’s staying, especially since it wasn’t possible to find a replacement for him at the end of the transfer window.”

“Given his reaction on the pitch, I’d say he’s behaving like a professional and is dedicating himself entirely to Bologna.”

Neither Fenucci nor TMW offer any indication of whether the situation can lead to a legal battle, which suggests that Quotidiano Sportivo are firmly speaking from the perspective of Lucumi’s entourage, who are pushing for an exit.