Wolves Face Tight Deadline to Secure £24m Colombian Star as Transfer Window Heats Up
Wolverhampton Wanderers are under pressure to act swiftly if they want to secure one of their long-term defensive targets this summer. With manager Vítor Pereira looking to reshape the squad ahead of the 2025/26 Premier League campaign, time is running out to activate a crucial release clause for Bologna defender Jhon Lucumí — a player Wolves have admired for over a year.
Pereira Targets Key Positions in Summer Overhaul
Following a turbulent 2024/25 season, which saw Wolves narrowly avoid relegation, Pereira has made it clear that strengthening key areas of the pitch is his top priority. The club kicked off their summer business in June by completing the £19.5 million signing of promising Spanish attacker Fer López from Celta Vigo. While López is expected to add flair and energy to the frontline, he is not seen as a direct replacement for Matheus Cunha, who departed earlier in the window.
To fill the void left by Cunha, Wolves have turned their attention to Colombian winger Jhon Arias, currently playing for Brazilian side Fluminense. The 27-year-old has been on the club’s radar for months, and Wolves recently submitted a £15 million bid, which was rejected earlier this week. However, with Arias eager to make a move to Europe this summer, the Midlands outfit are preparing a second offer in hopes of convincing Fluminense to part ways with their prized asset.
Interestingly, Arias isn’t the only Colombian international being tracked by Wolves. Jhon Lucumí, a left-footed centre-back with experience in Serie A and European competition, has re-emerged as a serious target for Pereira.
Wolves Given Less Than 48 Hours to Trigger Lucumí’s Release Clause
Lucumí, who currently plies his trade at Bologna, impressed during the club’s Champions League campaign last season, making seven appearances and showcasing his composure, physicality, and ability to play out from the back. His style and profile make him an ideal candidate for the Premier League, particularly for a team like Wolves who are in need of defensive depth.
However, if Wolves want to bring the 27-year-old to Molineux, they will have to act with urgency. According to Football Italia, Lucumí has a £24 million release clause in his contract, but that clause expires in less than 48 hours — on Wednesday, July 17. After that date, Bologna will be under no obligation to sell and can reject any offers they receive, regardless of the fee.
This looming deadline has sparked interest from other clubs as well. Newly promoted Sunderland are said to be leading the chase for Lucumí’s signature, making the race even more competitive for Wolves.
Financial Caution May Prevent Wolves From Making the Move
Despite Lucumí’s clear quality and relatively affordable price tag for a player of his pedigree, it’s uncertain whether Wolves will make a formal move before the clause expires. The club’s recruitment strategy under current ownership has been cautious and targeted, often prioritising signings who can make an immediate impact in positions of urgent need.
That’s precisely why Wolves opted not to pursue Brazilian midfielder Richard Ríos, whose valuation of £26-30 million was deemed excessive given that he would not be guaranteed a starting role ahead of Andre or Joao Gomes. A similar logic appears to be applied to Lucumí, as he would face stiff competition from Toti Gomes, who remains a trusted figure in the heart of Wolves’ defence.
Unless a sudden change of priorities occurs, Wolves are expected to focus their resources on finalising a deal for Arias and bolstering the right wing-back position, which Pereira views as more critical to the team’s overall balance and tactical setup.
Conclusion: Clock Ticking on a Potential Bargain
With the July 17 deadline rapidly approaching, the next 48 hours could be decisive for Wolves. Lucumí’s £24 million clause offers a rare chance to sign a high-calibre, left-footed centre-back at a fixed price — but only if the club moves decisively. If Wolves choose to wait, they risk losing out on a player who could elevate their defensive options, particularly as competition from other Premier League clubs intensifies.
Whether the club will act on their long-standing interest remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the clock is ticking, and the pressure is mounting.