Alious“Sunderland Eye Jaw-Dropping £55m Defensive Double Deal — Joe Gomez and Jhon Lucumí on January Radar”
Sunderland are reportedly plotting an audacious £55 million double swoop for Liverpool’s Joe Gomez and Bologna’s Jhon Lucumí as manager Régis Le Bris looks to reinforce his defence ahead of the January transfer window.
According to Quotidiano Sportivo, the Black Cats are ready to revive their pursuit of Lucumí after failing to secure his signature in the summer. The club were previously prepared to offer £25.5 million and a lucrative £2.5 million-per-year contract, but Bologna refused to sell at the time. Now, with the Colombian’s future uncertain, the Italian side are growing increasingly nervous about his reluctance to sign a new deal despite improved contract terms on the table.
Talks are said to be ongoing with Lucumí’s agent Simone Rondanini, while Sunderland scouts were spotted monitoring him closely during Bologna’s recent friendly against Aston Villa. Club insiders in Italy believe “the door isn’t completely closed,” suggesting a renewed bid from the Wearside club could yet tempt Bologna into selling.
Le Bris is keen to add another top-level centre-back to partner the likes of Omar Alderete, Nordi Mukiele, and Dan Ballard, with Lucumí viewed as an ideal fit for his system.
Meanwhile, Joe Gomez has also emerged as a possible target once again. The 28-year-old England international has struggled for consistent minutes at Liverpool under new boss Arne Slot, despite boasting over 150 Premier League appearances. Reports from Caught Offside claim the Reds could consider letting him leave if they secure a replacement, with AC Milan also among the interested sides.
Gomez, valued at around £30 million, remains under contract at Anfield until 2027, but his long-term future is uncertain amid Liverpool’s defensive reshuffle. However, transfer insider Pete O’Rourke believes a January move may be unlikely, given Liverpool’s injury situation and lack of depth:
> “It’s hard to see Liverpool sanctioning Gomez’s exit right now,” O’Rourke told Football Insider. “He’s too versatile and important — they’re more likely to buy another defender than lose one.”
If Sunderland can somehow pull off both moves, it would represent a massive statement of intent, signalling their determination to compete at the highest level following their return to the Premier League.
While the deals remain in the early stages, the potential arrival of Lucumí and Gomez would instantly transform Sunderland’s back line — and underline the club’s growing ambition heading into 2025.
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