Lucumí to Juventus: strength, quality and a talented left foot for Spalletti’s defence
Juventus have added a new player to their defensive ranks: Jhon Lucumí is the new Bianconeri.
Born in 1998 and a Colombia international, the defender arrives in Turin after establishing himself at Bologna as one of the most consistent centre-backs in Italian football. A natural left-footer, physically strong and accustomed to contributing to the build-up from the very start of an attack, Lucumí brings well-defined qualities to Luciano Spalletti’s side.
At 28, he also joins Juventus at the peak of his career, following his footballing experience in South America, Belgium, Serie A and European competitions.
From Deportivo Cali to european success
Lucumí came through the youth system at Deportivo Cali, the club with which he also made his professional debut.
In 2018, he left Colombia to join Genk. It was in Belgium that the defender took an important step forward: he quickly established himself and went on to become a key figure in the defensive line.
He made over 100 appearances for Genk and gained experience in European competitions before moving to Italy in the summer of 2022.
Four seasons as a key player at Bologna
With Bologna, Lucumí truly established himself in Serie A Enilive.
He made his top-flight debut in August 2022 and, season after season, became one of the Rossoblù’s key players. Over four years, he made more than 120 league appearances, staying consistent and reliable at the heart of the defence.
His time in Bologna also gave him the chance to compete in the UEFA Champions League and win the Coppa Italia Frecciarossa in 2025, bringing the trophy back to Bologna after more than half a century.
It was an important chapter in which the Colombian developed the qualities he now brings to Turin.
A left-footed talent for the bianconeri defence
Lucumí is first and foremost a left-footed centre-back, a quality that can give Spalletti a valuable option when building from the back.
Standing at 187 centimetres, he combines his physical presence with good mobility, aerial skills and composure on the ball. He is not a defender who limits himself to his defensive duties: he often looks for the vertical pass. He can contribute to the initial build-up, taking responsibility even under pressure.
His extensive knowledge of Serie A is another asset. After four seasons in the Italian top flight, Lucumí joins Juventus with experience, personality and an already well-established technical skill set.
Experience with Colombia
Alongside his development at club level, Lucumí has also built an important career with the Colombia national team.
He made his senior debut in 2019 and has since become a regular member of the squad. He has been part of the squad at the Copa América and, more recently, at the 2026 World Cup, playing in every match of Colombia’s campaign.
Now a new chapter of his career begins.
After proving himself at Bologna, Jhon Lucumí brings his quality on the left foot, physical strength and ability to build from the back to Juventus: an experienced defender at the peak of his footballing career for Luciano Spalletti’s side.
(Photo: Getty Images + Juventus.com)