Juventus have reached an agreement with Bologna to sign central defender Jhon Lucumi in a deal worth €20m (£17.2m) plus bonuses.
The two clubs have verbally agreed the terms of the transfer, according to football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, who reported the development on social media.
The paperwork is expected to be completed within the next two days, while Lucumi is due to undergo his medical examination next weekend. The move is therefore at an advanced stage, although the formal documentation and medical checks still need to be completed before the transfer can be finalised.
Juventus will pay an initial fee of €20m for the 28-year-old Colombia international, with additional bonus payments included in the agreement. The proposed transfer would see the defender leave Bologna despite having time remaining on his current contract.
Lucumi’s existing deal with Bologna is due to expire in the middle of next year. Juventus have nevertheless agreed to pay for his immediate arrival rather than wait until the final months of his contract.
The defender has made 152 appearances for Bologna in all competitions. During that period, he has scored two goals and registered four assists.
His record at the club includes a substantial number of matches across domestic and European competition, underlining the experience Juventus would be adding to their defence. Lucumi’s arrival would also provide the Italian club with a player who has been a regular contributor for Bologna, both in terms of appearances and involvement in their attacking build-up.
The agreement was described as a verbal understanding between Juventus and Bologna, with the next steps focused on completing the documents and confirming the outcome of the medical. Once those stages are completed, Lucumi’s transfer to Juventus can be formally concluded.
For Bologna, the deal would bring in €20m before bonuses for a defender whose contract was scheduled to run until the middle of next year. For Juventus, the agreement represents a sizeable investment in a 28-year-old central defender who has already accumulated 152 appearances for his current club.
Lucumi’s two goals and four assists for Bologna have come across all competitions. His move is now dependent on the administrative process and medical examination being completed as planned over the coming days.
