Countdown to July 10: Aston Villa and Bournemouth Weigh Move for Bologna Star Jhon Lucumí Amid Expiring Release Clause Dilemma

Countdown to July 10: Aston Villa and Bournemouth Weigh Move for Bologna Star Jhon Lucumí Amid Expiring Release Clause Dilemma

 

Premier League clubs Aston Villa and Bournemouth have entered the fray for Bologna defender Jhon Lucumí, with both English outfits closely tracking the Colombian international’s situation as the countdown continues toward a pivotal July 10 deadline. According to reports from Italy, including fresh insights from Corriere dello Sport, a €28 million release clause embedded in Lucumí’s current contract with Bologna is due to expire in less than a month, triggering heightened urgency and strategic considerations behind the scenes in both Birmingham and Bournemouth.

 

Lucumí, 25, has emerged as one of Serie A’s standout central defenders, playing a crucial role in Bologna’s dream campaign last season under head coach Thiago Motta. His ability to lead from the back, carry the ball into midfield, and stay composed under pressure has earned him widespread admiration from scouts across Europe. While his performances had already caught the eye of multiple Serie A clubs, including AC Milan and Napoli at earlier stages, it is now Premier League suitors who appear the most aggressive in exploring a summer deal — though neither Aston Villa nor Bournemouth are prepared to meet the €28m release clause before it expires on July 10.

 

For Bournemouth, the Cherries have been one of the earliest and most active in making inquiries for Lucumí. Following a season of solid if unspectacular defensive performances under Andoni Iraola, the club’s technical team has prioritized bringing in a central defender with strong ball-playing skills and positional intelligence. Lucumí, whose profile aligns closely with Iraola’s tactical preferences, is seen as a foundational piece for the manager’s long-term vision. Bournemouth are determined to evolve from their counter-attacking blueprint to a more proactive, progressive style, and Lucumí is viewed internally as a player who can help facilitate that evolution — both in terms of his defensive acumen and his ability to transition play from the back.

 

Yet despite their admiration, Bournemouth’s hierarchy reportedly views the €28m valuation as steep, particularly for a player coming from Serie A whose adaptation to the physical rigors of the Premier League remains untested. Financial prudence remains a key component of Bournemouth’s transfer strategy, and there is a belief within the club that once the release clause expires, Bologna may be more willing to negotiate a slightly reduced fee — especially if the player expresses interest in a move abroad. For now, Bournemouth remain in close contact with Lucumí’s representatives and are monitoring developments closely, ready to strike if Bologna show signs of softening their stance.

 

Meanwhile, at Villa Park, Unai Emery’s side are also evaluating the Lucumí situation with growing interest. Villa, having secured qualification for the UEFA Champions League, are planning a summer of calculated reinforcements, and bolstering the defensive unit remains one of Emery’s top priorities. The Spanish coach is known for valuing tactical flexibility in his centre-backs, and Lucumí’s ability to operate in both back-four and back-three systems makes him a compelling target. Moreover, the Colombian’s experience in high-stakes Serie A matches and his growing maturity at the international level offer a level of reliability that Emery values highly in European competition.

 

Despite these advantages, Villa too have balked at the idea of triggering the €28m release clause. The Midlands club have set strict internal valuations for each of their targets and are reluctant to overpay — even for players they admire. Instead, Villa are adopting a patient approach, hoping Bologna’s stance will change after July 10, at which point they could initiate formal negotiations on their own terms. Club insiders suggest that Villa are confident Lucumí would be open to a move to England, especially with the promise of Champions League football, but they do not view him as their only option and are prepared to walk away if the finances don’t align.

 

Bologna’s position remains firm — at least for now. The club’s hierarchy are under no immediate pressure to sell, especially after their remarkable season saw them qualify for the Champions League. Under the guidance of Motta, Bologna have reestablished themselves as a force in Italian football, and Lucumí was at the heart of that resurgence. His departure would not only leave a tactical void but also disrupt the defensive chemistry that has served them so well. Consequently, Bologna are keen to retain the player unless his release clause is met. However, the expiration of that clause introduces a new dynamic, one which could shift the balance of power in any negotiations that follow.

 

The timing of the clause’s expiry is no coincidence. Clubs across Europe often insert such deadlines to avoid late-window uncertainties and to maintain control over their squad planning. For Bologna, the July 10 deadline provides clarity: if Lucumí is to be sold at the preset price, it must happen early enough to allow for adequate replacement planning. But the risk, of course, is that suitors will simply wait the clause out, knowing full well that Bologna may become more amenable to offers in the €20–24m range once their legal leverage disappears. That, in turn, could lead to a standoff, with clubs playing the waiting game while Bologna attempt to convince the player to stay for another season.

 

Lucumí himself has not made any public declarations about his future, but sources close to the player suggest he is aware of the interest and is open to a move — though not at any cost. For the Colombian, who has steadily risen through the ranks from Genk in Belgium to becoming a Serie A mainstay, the next step in his career must align with both sporting ambition and personal development. A move to England would represent a significant leap in exposure, competition, and financial rewards, but Lucumí is also wary of joining a project where his role is unclear or where expectations outweigh support structures.

 

In this regard, Aston Villa holds a slight advantage. With European football on offer and a clearly defined tactical philosophy under Emery, Lucumí could be integrated into a setup that values defensive discipline and structured build-up. At Bournemouth, while he might enjoy more consistent playing time and possibly a more central role in the project, the club’s ambitions — and its occasional vulnerability in the top flight — could be a factor in his final decision. Much will depend on the conversations held between the player’s camp and the clubs in the coming weeks.

 

The Colombian national team, meanwhile, will also have a say in Lucumí’s timeline. With international duties looming in the lead-up to the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign, Lucumí will want to ensure his club future is settled in good time to avoid disruption. A drawn-out transfer saga could affect his preparation and position in the squad, and this may ultimately pressure all parties to resolve the situation before the end of July — with or without the activation of the release clause.

 

From a market standpoint, Lucumí’s case is emblematic of a broader trend in European football this summer: a hesitancy from buying clubs to meet high release clauses amid continued financial pressures and a cautious post-pandemic spending approach. Even relatively wealthy Premier League sides like Villa and Bournemouth are engaging in more strategic negotiations, preferring to leverage timing and circumstance rather than splash out immediately. The existence of an expiring clause adds drama to the Lucumí saga, but it also creates potential for tactical patience — something both English clubs seem content to embrace.

 

Elsewhere, other clubs are also keeping tabs. West Ham, Brighton, and even Atletico Madrid have been loosely linked in the past with Lucumí, and while no formal approaches have been reported from those clubs this summer, a late entry into the race can never be ruled out — especially if Bologna begin to signal a willingness to negotiate below the clause. The defender’s profile — physically strong, tactically sharp, and entering his prime — makes him an appealing candidate for any club looking to solidify their back line without entering the €50m+ bracket that defines some of Europe’s most high-profile defenders.

 

As July 10 approaches, the pressure mounts — not just on Villa and Bournemouth, but also on Bologna and Lucumí himself. Will either Premier League club blink and trigger the clause before it vanishes? Will Bologna stand firm and risk losing leverage? Or will Lucumí push for a move behind closed doors, compelling his club to enter the negotiating table? These questions will dominate the headlines over the next three weeks, with Lucumí’s future hanging delicately in the balance.

 

One thing is clear: whoever lands Jhon Lucumí will be acquiring more than just a competent centre-back. They will be getting a player with leadership potential, international experience, and the hunger to prove himself on an even grander stage. But whether that next chapter begins in England — and at which club — will depend on the crucial decisions made between now and July 10. The clock is ticking.