Whilst much of the focus has been on midfielders this summer, Manchester United have now been handed a major boost in the race to welcome a Serie A defender.
The Red Devils have still got plenty of work to do before the start of Michael Carrick‘s first full season in charge. They’ve done well to welcome Youri Tielemans, Andrey Santos, Karl Darlow and 18-year-old talent Tynan Thompson but could also add Jhon Lucumi to their list of incomings this summer.
The towering Bologna defender has been linked with a move to the Premier League for some time, but interest from Old Trafford is the most impressive yet.
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It’s no surprise that Man United are after another centre-back, either. They were forced to push Casemiro into an unfamiliar role last season as injuries began to pile up.
The last thing that Carrick needs as he attempts to balance European and domestic football is a shortage of central defenders. At 28 years old, Lucumi is at the peak of his powers and could gradually help phase 33-year-old Harry Maguire out of the side.
The former Leicester City man penned a new one-year deal at the end of the season, handing the Red Devils an additional year to find his replacement.
Bologna CEO reveals Lucumi exit promise
In quotes relayed by Sport Witness, Bologna CEO Claudio Fenucci revealed that he promised Lucumi an exit if the right offer arrives this summer. Reports in Italy also had their say on Lucumi’s future, claiming that Man United have now made their move for the defender.
“A year ago, we couldn’t sell him at the end of the transfer window. But we promised him that this year, given a suitable offer, we’d make it happen. The transfer window hasn’t really taken off yet, and if it didn’t for Lucumi either, we’d be happy to keep him.” – Fenucci on Lucumi
It remains to be seen how much Bologna are looking for to grant that ‘promise’, but Fenucci’s words should certainly act as a boost for Man United after joining the race for the defender.
Whether they turn that interest into an offer is the big question. The focus has been on finding midfielders all summer long, but with Lucumi promised an exit, the Red Devils could be tempted into making their move official.
Man United could sign Liverpool target this summer
It’s not their backline that Man United could reinforce this summer. Alongside Lucumi, those at Old Trafford have reportedly joined the race to sign Paris Saint-Germain star Bradley Barcola.
The winger has been on Liverpool’s radar in the last month or so, but their hesitation could allow their biggest rivals to come swooping in. PSG are reportedly willing to sell at the right price with Barcola yet to sign a new deal at the club.
However, their asking price currently sits at more than £100m – giving interested parties plenty to think about.
