Just days before the summer transfer window slams shut, Sunderland AFC is holding its breath over one final signing — a center-back who could make the difference between survival and relegation. Manager Régis Le Bris, the unassuming 48-year-old Frenchman who took over in July after Michael Beale’s departure, confirmed on August 24, 2024, that the club still has "one option" left on the table. The news came after a disappointing 2-0 loss to Burnley FC at Turf Moor Stadium in Burnley, a result that followed an electrifying 3-0 opening-day win over West Ham United at the Stadium of Light in Sunderland.
One Last Chance Before the Deadline
Le Bris didn’t mince words during his post-match press conference at 8:48 PM UTC on August 24. "We still want to reinforce the squad if it makes sense for the balance," he said. "It’s still possible in the backline if we find the right player at the right level and with the right mindset." That phrase — "right mindset" — has become a mantra for the club under his watch. It’s not just about talent. It’s about character. About resilience. About fitting into a culture that’s been rebuilt from the ground up since Kyril Louis Dreyfus took full control.
Despite bringing in over 10 players this summer — including Granit Xhaka, Omar Alderete, and Simon Adingra — Le Bris insists the squad isn’t complete. The focus? A center-back. And the name whispered in boardrooms and scouting reports is Jhon Lucumi, the 28-year-old Colombian international from Bologna FC. Reports suggest Lucumi has pushed hard to leave, even as Bologna resists, fearing they won’t find a replacement before the window closes. Sunderland’s sporting director, Kristjaan Speakman, has reportedly been in close contact with the player’s representatives. But time is running out. The window shuts at 11 PM BST on August 30, 2024.
Why This Matters More Than Just Points
On paper, Sunderland’s goal is simple: 40 points to stay up. But after beating West Ham and nearly toppling Burnley, the mood inside the club has shifted. Fans aren’t just hoping to survive — they’re daring to dream. The Stadium of Light, packed to its 49,000-capacity, hasn’t felt this electric since the 2010s. Le Bris has quietly become the most popular manager since Roy Keane. He doesn’t shout. He doesn’t grandstand. He just builds.
That’s why every signing is scrutinized. The Sunderland Echo revealed in early November 2025 that the club now uses a psychological profile to assess potential recruits — not just their stats, but their emotional intelligence, how they respond to pressure, even how they treat staff. "We’re not signing mercenaries," one insider told the paper. "We’re building a family. And families need the right people."
January Looms — And So Does the Africa Cup of Nations
Even if Sunderland misses out on Lucumi, the transfer window isn’t closed. Not really. January 2025 is already being planned. Le Bris has made it clear: "We’ll come back stronger." But the path isn’t easy. The Africa Cup of NationsCôte d’Ivoire will begin in late December, and up to seven Sunderland players — including Adingra and Alderete — could be called away. That’s a massive blow to a squad still finding its rhythm.
And yet, the club’s ambition isn’t shrinking. The Sport Bible reported on November 2, 2025, that Sunderland is "plotting a huge double signing" that could propel them into European contention. That’s not a typo. This isn’t just about avoiding relegation anymore. This is about rewriting the script.
What’s Next? The Clock Is Ticking
With the transfer window closing in under 48 hours, all eyes are on the club’s office at Ashington Road. Will Lucumi arrive? Or will they stand pat? Either way, the message is clear: Régis Le Bris didn’t come to Sunderland to rebuild — he came to redefine it. The next 72 hours could determine whether this becomes a fairytale or a near-miss.
And if Lucumi doesn’t sign? The club will still play Everton on Monday Night Football at Goodison Park. Alderete and Adingra are both fit to return. And Le Bris? He’ll be watching, calculating, ready to adapt — just like he always has.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Jhon Lucumi and why is Sunderland interested in him?
Jhon Lucumi is a 28-year-old Colombian center-back currently playing for Bologna FC in Serie A. He’s known for his physicality, aerial dominance, and consistent defensive positioning. Sunderland sees him as the missing piece in a backline that’s been vulnerable in open play. He’s also a former Colombia international, meaning he brings international experience — a rarity in their current squad. Reports suggest he’s eager to leave Bologna, but the Italian club is reluctant to release him without a guaranteed replacement.
Why is Régis Le Bris so focused on "mindset" over talent?
Le Bris inherited a squad with talent but inconsistent character. After the chaos under Michael Beale, he prioritized stability. The Sunderland Echo reported that each new signing undergoes psychological screening — assessing resilience, coachability, and how they handle adversity. Players like Granit Xhaka and Omar Alderete weren’t just bought for their skills — they were chosen because they fit the club’s culture. In a relegation battle, mental toughness often outweighs technical brilliance.
How will the Africa Cup of Nations affect Sunderland’s season?
Up to seven key players — including Simon Adingra, Omar Alderete, and potentially others — could be called up for the Africa Cup of NationsCôte d’Ivoire, starting in late December. That’s nearly a quarter of the squad. Le Bris has already begun preparing for rotation, with academy players and loan signings being monitored. The club may push for short-term reinforcements in January if key players are away for the full tournament.
Is Sunderland really aiming for European football?
Yes — and it’s not just fan wishful thinking. The Sport Bible reported in November 2025 that Sunderland’s ownership, led by Kyril Louis Dreyfus, has approved a long-term strategy targeting European qualification within three years. A double signing in January — potentially Lucumi plus a creative midfielder — could be the first step. The club’s recent home form, strong academy pipeline, and financial backing make it plausible. It’s ambitious, but under Le Bris, the impossible feels possible.
What happens if Sunderland doesn’t sign anyone before the deadline?
They’ll still play Everton with a mostly intact squad. Le Bris has said he’s comfortable with the current group — if they’re the right fit. The club’s medical team has been impressed by the fitness levels of new signings, and morale remains high. A failure to sign Lucumi wouldn’t mean failure — it would mean they held firm on their standards. In a market full of rushed deals, that’s rare. And in Sunderland, it might be exactly what they need.
How has Kyril Louis Dreyfus changed the club’s direction?
Since taking full control, the 28-year-old Swiss owner has shifted Sunderland from reactive spending to strategic investment. He replaced old-school scouts with data analysts, hired Le Bris over more famous names, and backed him with funds — but only for players who meet strict cultural and sporting criteria. Unlike previous owners who chased headlines, Dreyfus is building a sustainable model. The club’s debt has dropped 30% since 2023, and academy graduates are now regularly breaking into the first team. This isn’t a splash — it’s a slow, steady tide.
