Manchester United close in on Jhon Lucumí as Carrick reshapes the squad

Manchester United are nearing a deal for Colombian defender Jhon Lucumí as Michael Carrick continues to reshape the squad ahead of the 2026/27 Premier League season.

Less than two weeks remain before the Red Devils begin their league campaign, and Carrick has already overseen a series of arrivals. Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans and Karl Darlow joined in mid-July, with a number of young players following in the summer window.

The latest arrival is Colombian midfielder Cristian Orozco, who joined from Fortaleza in his homeland. The club has also completed the permanent sale of Rasmus Hojlund to Napoli for £38million, while senior players Casemiro and Jadon Sancho have departed.

United are now focused on Jhon Lucumí, a 28-year-old centre-back who has played more than 100 Serie A games for Bologna. Reports from Corriere di Bologna suggest Old Trafford is among the clubs considering meeting the Italian side’s valuation, with the defender said to be open to joining a ‘big club’.

Bologna’s asking price is reported to be in the region of £21million, a figure that has deterred Juventus so far. Premier League rivals Chelsea are also in the frame, but United are understood to be capable of matching Bologna’s valuation.

Lucumí’s connection to the club runs deeper than most. He played alongside Joshua Zirkzee at Bologna before the striker moved to Manchester United. He was also part of Colombia’s World Cup squad that reached the round of 16 under Nestor Lorenzo.

The pursuit comes after a proposed £60million move for Lewis Hall was abandoned. Newcastle United have insisted Hall will remain at St James’ Park following several key departures this summer.

Goalkeeper Radek Vitek has already left United for Middlesbrough in a deal reported to be worth £7million, with potential add-ons taking the total to £14million. The agreement includes a buy-back clause and matching rights, along with a 35 per cent sell-on clause.

Vitek, speaking after his move, said: “The mission is clear: to go to the Premier League. I think everyone at the club has that mindset, and I want the same thing. Now I just can’t wait to get started.”