Barcelona Considers Jhon Lucumi as Bastoni Alternative

Barcelona Eyes Jhon Lucumi as Cost-Effective Alternative to Bastoni

Colombian defender from Bologna emerges as a practical option amid expensive Bastoni pursuit

BlaugranaNews EditorialApril 12, 20261 min read

So what

Faced with the high cost of Alessandro Bastoni, Barcelona’s consideration of Lucumi reveals a strategic effort to balance quality with budget constraints. This approach impacts the team’s defensive organization and financial planning.

Barcelona’s hunt for a new centre-back centers on Alessandro Bastoni from Inter Milan, highly valued for his ball-playing abilities. Nevertheless, Inter’s reluctance to sell and the likely steep price have pushed Barcelona to explore other options.

Sporting director Deco has identified Jhon Lucumi, a 27-year-old Colombian centre-back at Bologna, as a viable alternative. Lucumi’s left-footedness, technical aptitude, and physical strength fit well with Barcelona’s defensive profile, potentially complementing players like Pau Cubarsi.

Lucumi brings nearly 150 Serie A appearances, signaling experience and reliability. Priced around €25 million, he offers a significantly cheaper alternative to Bastoni. His contract with Bologna runs until 2027, allowing Barcelona to negotiate a pre-contract agreement halfway through next season.

While Bastoni remains the primary target for the summer of 2026, the club may pivot to Lucumi if securing Bastoni isn’t feasible within budget constraints. This pragmatic stance shows Barcelona’s careful balancing of sporting ambitions and financial realities.