Manchester City’s recruitment plans have taken on added urgency as injuries continue to test the depth of Pep Guardiola‘s squad, particularly in central defence.
With key figures sidelined and the transfer window moving towards its conclusion, City are weighing up whether to move decisively now or wait until the summer.
Reports from Italy suggest Bologna defender Jhon Lucumi has emerged as one of the options under consideration, even if he is not currently the club’s first choice.
City’s immediate concern stems from the absence of two senior defenders. Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol have both been ruled out for extended periods, leaving Guardiola short of experience and balance at the back.
While City have been reluctant in recent seasons to make short-term signings in January, the scale of the problem has prompted internal discussions about whether reinforcements are required before the window closes.
According to Bolognasportnews.it, Lucumi is among the players being monitored should City decide to enter the market.
The 27-year-old Colombian has been a regular presence in Serie A and is well regarded for his physical strength, mobility and ability to play out from the back.
Those traits align with the profile City typically seek in defenders capable of operating in Guardiola’s system.
Lucumi’s name is not new to English football circles. Last summer, he attracted interest from clubs including Aston Villa and Sunderland, at a time when a €28m (£24.3m) release clause was active in his Bologna contract.
That clause has since expired, and the defender remained in Italy, where he has continued to play a key role for his club.
Bologna’s decision to keep him reflected both his importance to the team and the difficulty interested clubs faced in meeting their valuation once the clause lapsed.
His development has been closely followed by Bologna’s coaching staff, who believe he still has room to improve despite already performing at a high level.
Head coach Vincenzo Italiano offered a candid assessment of the defender last year, highlighting both his strengths and the areas he must refine if he is to reach the very top of the game.
“Lucumi, with that physicality and that dexterity, is an incredible player. But even Jhon knows that to become an absolute level player, he has to avoid those mistakes.”
“If he applies [himself], he can do it. It’s a matter of head, he can become a top [player]. We have analysed the errors, we talk straight without getting impermalized, we have seen and analyzed we hope to improve.”
His attributes are evident, but there is also a sense that he could take another step with the right guidance and environment. For City, that potential is attractive, particularly given Guardiola’s track record of developing defenders into more complete players.
Defensive injuries force City to consider the market
City’s approach to recruitment has long been shaped by patience and long-term planning. However, injuries have disrupted that strategy this season.
Dias has been a cornerstone of City’s defence since his arrival, while Gvardiol’s versatility has allowed Guardiola to adapt tactically in big matches.
Losing both has left City reliant on fewer options than usual, raising concerns about workload and consistency across domestic and European competitions.
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Director of Football Hugo Viana has been tasked with assessing the market and identifying players who could provide immediate cover without compromising the club’s broader plans.
While City would prefer to avoid panic buys, the demands of competing on multiple fronts mean depth is essential. Jhon Lucumi, with his experience in a top European league and at international level with Colombia, represents a relatively low-risk option in that regard.
Guehi remains first choice as City weigh up costs
Guehi’s performances for Crystal Palace have attracted widespread attention, with Arsenal and Liverpool also credited with interest in recent weeks.
Both clubs are believed to be monitoring his situation closely, though there is an understanding that they may prefer to wait until the end of the season, when his contract situation could allow for a free transfer.
City’s stance is different. With immediate needs at the back, they would ideally want to conclude a deal during the current window.
However, that urgency comes at a price. Palace are under no pressure to sell mid-season and would likely demand a significant fee, particularly given Guehi’s importance to their squad and his status as captain.
