SUNDERLAND FRONTRUNNERS FOR JHON LUCUMí AS BOLOGNA DIRECTOR CONFIRMS SUMMER EXIT
Sunderland targets Lucumí and Jonathan David to sustain their top-flight momentum and European ambitions in 2026.
Sunderland have emerged as the frontrunner in the race to sign a Serie A player who appears set to leave his current club.
The Black Cats have developed a solid approach to remaining competitive in the top flight, putting an end to the kind of struggles promoted teams have faced in recent seasons.
They’re even within reach of qualifying for European competition this season, trailing sixth-place Chelsea by just five points. Notably, Sunderland will face Chelsea on the final day of the campaign, adding extra significance to that gap.
Over the past two years, Sunderland’s project has gained considerable appeal in the Premier League, bringing in players like Brian Brobbey and Granit Xhaka while also showing interest in others such as Jonathan David.
Acquiring someone of Jonathan David’s calibre would capture Sunderland’s ambitions since their return to the top tier. Their aims go beyond merely avoiding relegation or settling for a mid-table finish, setting a standard other clubs might want to mirror.
But David isn’t the only target on their agenda. Sunderland is also looking to strengthen its defence once the summer transfer window opens.
While Daniel Ballard and Nordi Mukiele have put in strong performances in their first Premier League season, injuries have highlighted the club’s lack of depth in defence.
Because of this, the club has shifted attention back to a longer-term target. Reports from Italy, as picked up by Sport Witness, suggest Sunderland is now leading the race to sign Jhon Lucumi, who is close to departing Serie A side Bologna.
Bologna’s sporting director, Giovanni Sartori, has openly acknowledged that it would be pointless to deny Lucumi’s likely exit this summer. This honesty might smooth Sunderland’s path after they failed to agree on terms with Bologna last summer when Lucumi was already a top target.
Given that Como scout Ben Mattinson described Lucumi as “excellent” in 2024, it’s clear why Sunderland remains interested. Securing him would represent another bold move, and with Bologna’s stance now more transparent, negotiations may prove less challenging this time around.
PULISIC HITS BACK: MILAN STAR SHUTS DOWN 2026 GOAL DROUGHT CONCERNS
"I haven't stopped dreaming." Christian Pulisic addresses his goal drought and the frustration of missing out on the Gold Cup squad.
Christian Pulisic isn’t holding back. When critics started questioning his recent form and worried about his 2026 goal drought, he shut them down, calling those concerns “bad questions". The AC Milan forward, fresh off his Time magazine cover, still trusts his ability to step up for the USMNT as they gear up to co-host the World Cup.
All eyes are on him.
The U.S. is set to share the stage for the 2026 World Cup, and Pulisic is set to become the go-to guy for the national team. Landing on the cover of Time isn’t something soccer stars from America get every day, and it just shows how big a deal he’s become, especially after proving himself in Europe. But right as people are finally giving him mainstream recognition, he’s under the microscope for not putting up his usual numbers in front of the goal.
He’s not fazed by the dip.
When Time asked about his goal drought and how he’s handling not scoring for club or country this year, Pulisic didn’t mince words; he’s not sweating it. “I plan on scoring goals. Such bad questions. I’m not concerned about it, man.” You can hear the confidence in his voice.
Dealing with the noise
Pulisic admits this stretch feels extra tough. Missing out on last June’s Gold Cup squad hurt him, mostly because he’s used to shutting people up with his play. “Normally, I just go out there and score, and that quiets everybody. Right now, I’m in my offseason, so everyone’s talking, and I can’t do anything about it. That’s what’s frustrating.”
For Pulisic, attacking is everything. “Going at the goal, creating attacks, that’s what I live for. Sure, you have to do all the other stuff: defend, run, whatever. That’s fine. But what really gives me joy is finding ways to score and actually scoring.”
Chasing the dream
The U.S. opens their World Cup run against Paraguay at the SoFi Stadium on June 12, and Pulisic will lead the team right here at home. He doesn’t like making big public predictions, but at 27, he keeps that childhood dream alive. “That’s just not how I work. But I’ll lie in bed and imagine myself holding the World Cup trophy. I did that when I was a kid, and I haven’t stopped. You need to believe. Why not?”
WHY DID LAUTARO MARTINEZ REJECT A CAREER-DEFINING MOVE TO THE PREMIER LEAGUE?
"I love Milan." Read why 28-year-old Lautaro Martinez rejected Manchester United and Arsenal to stay at the San Siro in 2026.
Inter captain Lautaro Martinez has clearly put an end to any speculation about leaving San Siro, making it known that he has no plans to entertain offers from Europe’s top clubs. Even with regular links to teams like Barcelona, Manchester United, and Arsenal, the Argentine forward is fully committed to what’s happening in Milan.
Martinez has been quite vocal about his dedication to Inter amid constant rumours about his future. Despite frequent connections to some of the biggest clubs on the continent, he insists there’s no reason for him to move on from the current Serie A champions.
Media reports have often tied him to Barcelona, PSG, Arsenal, and Manchester United. But through various transfer windows, Martinez has consistently pushed back on the idea of leaving Inter. At 28, he remains a key figure in the team’s current setup and has stepped up as the club’s captain and on-field leader.
In an interview with Cronache di Spogliatoio, Martinez expressed his loyalty to Inter’s project. He made it clear that he isn’t interested in changing clubs despite the speculation.
He said, “No, because I am faithful to the Inter project, I feel at home here. My family is happy, we have a restaurant in the city, and we love Milan. From the first day, everyone treated me in a way I didn’t think possible. I achieved so many personal and team goals here.”
Success on the pitch seems to deepen his connection to the club. Inter recently secured another league title and continues to chase trophies, including the Coppa Italia. On an individual level, Martinez is eyeing the Capocannoniere prize as Serie A’s top scorer. His steady performances underline why he’s considered one of the most reliable forwards in European football.
Since his move from Racing Club in 2018, Martinez has become the defining presence in Inter’s modern lineup. With 173 goals over 372 competitive games, it’s clear how vital he is to the team.
Looking ahead, the club sees Martinez as a central piece in their long-term plans. His leadership and scoring ability make him hard to replace. Settled both on and off the field in Milan, he seems set on continuing his story at the Giuseppe Meazza, despite ongoing interest from Europe’s elite clubs.
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