Barcelona eyeing move for 26-year-old Serie A defender: Reports
Barcelona are reportedly monitoring Colombia and Bologna centre-back Jhon Lucumi, who has become a key player in the Serie A side of late. The Spanish giants are looking to strengthen their defense, as their recent results against Real Sociedad (1-0 loss) and Celta Vigo (2-2 draw) showed a loophole in the club’s defensive structure.
Since joining Bologna from KRC Genk in 2022, Jhon Lucumi has established himself as one of the best defenders in Serie A. The 26-year-old has missed only three matches for I Rossoblù in the ongoing season. He was excluded from the matchday squad in one game and was missing from the other two due to injury and a red card suspension.
Lucumi has gone from strength to strength during his time at Bologna, and his progress hasn’t gone unnoticed, capturing the interest of several top clubs in Europe.
According to Diario AS, Barcelona are intensifying their pursuit of a centre-back in the January transfer window and have identified Jhon Lucumi as a player who could bolster their backline. Lucumi’s contract with Bologna will expire in 2026 and the Serie A side have set his release clause at €25 million.
The Colombian international is in great form. Barcelona could pull a few strings here as his release clause is affordable. In addition, the defender is far ahead in terms of metrics compared to other defenders at his level. He prevails in defensive duels (7.25 per game), recoveries (13 per game), and interceptions (5.22 per game).
Andreas Christensen breaks silence on rumors about leaving Barcelona
Barcelona defender Andreas Christensen has dispelled rumors that he is planning to leave the club. The Dane joined Barcelona in 2022 but has been out of action since August due to injury (Achilles tendon irritation). He is expected to return in January.
According to a report from Relevo, Christensen is practically out of Barcelona’s future plans. However, the Denmark international has now broken his silence on the speculation. He told Danish television Sport TV 2:
''You can't do anything but smile about it when you don't hear anything yourself. I can only speak from the conversations I've had with the club and so far they've just said to make sure I'm ready and they're looking forward to me being back."
When he was asked if he would be staying at Barcelona, he responded:
''Yes, of course.’’
On if he could break into the team’s starting XI with players like Pau Cubarsi and Inigo Martinez enjoying the form of their lives, Christensen said:
''I approach it with the attitude that it will be difficult. They've done incredibly well and it's up to me to knock them off. The ultimate goal is to come back and play as many matches as possible, but it will be difficult, says Andreas Christensen."
''It's been a while since I've talked to him (Flick, ed.) tactically, but I played 6s in pre season , so it could well be a thought, but I think mainly that it will be as a central defender. It's also where I'd rather play, says Andreas Christensen and emphasizes that he plays where he is put," he added.