Barcelona interested in signing Manchester United-linked Serie A defender with £21 million release clause: Reports

Barcelona are reportedly interested in signing Bologna defender Jhon Lucumi, who has been linked with Manchester United since the end of last season.

Lucumi, 26, has established himself as one of the best no-nonsense defenders in the Serie A since leaving Belgian side KRC Genk for around £7 million in 2022. He helped Bologna achieve a fifth-place finish under current Juventus manager Thiago Motta last campaign.

Now, according to Spanish website AS, Barcelona have earmarked Lucumi as a top defensive transfer target with Ronald Araujo and Andreas Christensen's respective futures up in the air. They are prepared to launch a move for the Colombian, who has a £21 million release clause, in the winter transfer window.

Should the left-footed star join Hansi Flick's side in the near future, he would offer competition to the aforesaid pair and Inigo Martinez in the backline.

Lucumi, who was linked with a permanent transfer to Manchester United earlier this summer, has started 70 of his 79 appearances across all competitions for Bologna. He has scored one goal and provided three assists for the Serie A outfit.

Manchester United legend asserts Barcelona-linked striker should join Ruben Amorim's side

Speaking recently to TNT Sports, Red Devils legend Rio Ferdinand shared his two cents on his Barcelona transfer target and Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres' future. He said (h/t GOAL):

"I wouldn't put him in the top bracket yet because he hasn't done it in a top league. With all due respect to the Portuguese league, it's not one of the top leagues. If he signs for a team in the Premier League, he'll be having to prove who he is. He'll have to reshape himself and say: 'This is me', presenting himself to everybody under that spotlight and then going: 'Right, this is who I am'."

Backing the 26-year-old to join his former club, Ferdinand concluded:

"If he wants to win, he goes to Manchester United... no, I'm joking! The key point is that he knows the manager. For a transition into another league, to go with somebody who knows your game perfectly and will actually be able to get the best out of you... you're going to go somewhere where he's rebuilding and you can be the star of that process. I think he'll be licking his lips [at that opportunity]."

Over the last couple of months, Gyokeres has emerged as one of the most in-demand stars in the world. As a result, the former Brighton & Hove Albion attacker has reportedly attracted interest from Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal, and Barcelona.

Gyokeres, whose current contract will run out in June 2026, has proved to be a revelation for Sporting since arriving from Coventry City for £20 million in 2023. He has scored 67 goals and laid out 19 assists in 70 appearances across competitions for his current club.