Colombian centre-back Jhon Lucumí has an eye for clubs with an impressive record of developing defenders.
After breaking into the Deportivo Cali first team at the age of 17 in 2015, Lucumí made 40 appearances in just under three years.
Only becoming a regular starter at the beginning of 2018, he made an early move to Europe in the summer.
Joining Belgian side KRC Genk for just under £2.5m, Lucumí would always be another player on the conveyor belt of profit for De Smurfen.
Arriving in Genk as Omar Colley’s replacement, who joined Sampdoria for over £8m, the Colombian joined a club who have brought in over £40m by selling defenders since Kalidou Koulibaly moved to Napoli.
Developing as a well-rounded defender with experience in the Champions League and Europa League, he also won the Belgian Pro League, Cup and Super Cup.
His time at Genk earned Lucumí his first Colombian national team call-up, alongside club teammates and compatriots Carlos Cuesta and Daniel Muñoz.
After four full seasons in Belgium, the 24-year-old centre-back has joined Italian side Bologna, another club well-versed at profiting from defenders.
Since the summer of 2018, Bologna have made over £65m from defenders.
This includes Arsenal defender Takehiro Tomiyasu, Brentford’s Aaron Hickey and Rennes’ recent signing Arthur Theate, all in deals worth over £15m.
The Colombian will be looking to further his development in one of Europe’s top five leagues, aiming to become a starter for the national team.
He is a good signing for I Rossoblù under manager Siniša Mihajlović, with the potential of bringing in a large fee in the future.
This tactical analysis, in the form of a scout report, will look to identify Jhon Lucumí’s qualities that could make an instant impact at Bologna.
Jhon Lucumí Position & Style Of Play
Jhon Lucumí (187cm/6’2”, 82kg/180lbs) is a left-footed centre-back with the attributes required of a typical modern-day defender.
He has the pace needed to operate in a high line whilst having defensive awareness for a low block.
Physically very strong and comfortable with the ball at his feet, his precision passing is ideal for possession-heavy sides.
The Colombian looks to always be in control of his actions, from settled states of possession to last-ditch tackles in recovery.
The figure below displays Lucumí’s heatmap at Genk from the 2021/22 season.
Under managers John van den Brom and Bernd Storck, Genk played a back four formation for over 90% of their games.
Lucumí was exclusively deployed as the left-sided centre-back by both managers in a disappointing campaign, with De Smurfen failing to qualify for Europe.
He was Genk’s most used centre-back last season, owing to his ability and valuable left-footed profile, but the Colombian lacked a consistent partner.
His compatriot Carlos Cuesta has been Lucumí’s most frequent partner in Belgium, but Cuesta had long spells out of the team last season.
American Mark McKenzie complements Lucumí well, with former Spanish youth international Mujaid Sadick the remaining option.
At his new club, Lucumí will have to adapt to Bologna’s different shape.
Siniša Mihaljović had I Rossoblù lined up in variations of a back five for the majority of last season.
