Régis Le Bris
Sunderland AFC have reportedly decided not to pursue Bologna defender Jhon Lucumí in the upcoming January transfer window. Despite being a prominent target during the summer, the Black Cats have shifted their focus to other potential signings. Lucumí, who was the subject of multiple bids from Sunderland, remains with Bologna despite his agent’s public plea for a reconsideration of the offers. As Sunderland ramps up its transfer activities, the club is exploring different avenues to strengthen its squad.
Régis Le Bris said: “The journey of the club requires an evolution. The club was in the Premier League eight years ago, but then it had a long period in the third and second division. The strength of the structure, and what is needed within it, is always different depending on what money you can spend, the people you can have as part of it, and so on. Now, the ambition in the Premier League is really high, and you have to build your recruitment structure according to your ambition. The level of the Premier League demands a certain level of recruitment. It is obvious that things needed to evolve, and it is not really a question of individuals, it is more a question of organisation. I think Florent and Kristjaan are working together to find the best possible set-up.”
Sunderland’s pursuit of Lucumí during the summer transfer window was met with resistance from Bologna, who rejected all offers for the 27-year-old Colombian international. The Serie A club had already sold several key players, including centre-back Sam Beukema to Napoli, but remained firm on Lucumí’s retention. Despite the player’s return to Bologna’s starting XI, uncertainty regarding his future lingers, as he has yet to renew his contract, which expires in 2027.
In response to the failed bid for Lucumí, Sunderland secured Lutsharel Geertruida from RB Leipzig on an initial loan deal, with an option to make the transfer permanent next summer. Although Geertruida has not yet featured prominently due to the strong form of other players, he was primarily signed as a versatile defender capable of playing both as a centre-back and full-back.
Sunderland’s recruitment strategy is undergoing significant changes following the departure of head of recruitment Stuart Harvey. Under the guidance of director of football Florent Ghisolfi and sporting director Kristjaan Speakman, the club is actively preparing for the January transfer window. Le Bris’s comments suggest that further appointments to the recruitment department are anticipated to support the club’s ambitions of returning to the Premier League.
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