Deco has a clear objective for next season: to secure Barça's defense. So far, many top names have been mentioned, such as Jonathan Tah. However, it seems that the sporting director has focused his attention on another center-back. We are talking about Jhon Lucumí, a Bologna defender who "is considered an option for the winter", according to AS.
John Lucumí has a contract with Bologna until June 2026 and his release clause makes him a very attractive center-back. The Colombian could leave for 25 million euros, although the same information points out that "it's all a matter of negotiation." This implies that Lucumí could leave for less than the clause signed in his contract with the Italian club.
He is 26 years old and is one of the most outstanding center-backs in Europe. The data put him at the same level as Cubarsí and Íñigo Martínez, the two starters at Barça. He has general metrics far superior to those of Tah, the defender that Hansi Flick wants for next season. Jhon Lucumí, in addition, would be very happy to be able to join the blaugrana team.
John Lucumí Gives the Final Blow: Ronald Araújo, Ready to Leave Barça
Ronald Araújo is clear that he will have to take advantage of the opportunities available to him this season. He has changed his role in recent months, going from "untouchable" to a substitute for Íñigo Martínez. He intends to renew his contract with Barça for several more years if the offer is good. Even so, he knows that he is no longer as indispensable as before.
Previously, Araújo was the number one in defense but now he is not only below Íñigo Martínez but also Pau Cubarsí. The Uruguayan will have a hard time taking the starting spot from either of the two. For the time being, he has assumed his place in the squad: the bench.
Hansi Flick has always been clear on these matters: he opts for meritocracy. If Íñigo Martínez continues at this level for the entire season, his contract will automatically be renewed until 2026. He will have the role of a starter, while Ronald Araújo will be relegated to a substitute role. Such is a role he hadn't had in Barça until now.
If the situation continues like this and John Lucumí arrives at Barça, Araújo is clear that his future could be far from the remade Camp Nou. Deco would let him go if the offer is good.