Jhon Lucumí seals move to Juventus for 20 million euros

Colombia just wrapped up the World Cup with one of the sturdiest defenses in the tournament, conceding just one goal in five matches, and one of the men behind that wall is about to change scenery. Jhon Lucumí is closing in on a move to Juventus, and this time it's not just another transfer rumor that fizzles out in a couple of weeks.

The center back had been on Turin's radar for some time. In fact, his name started circulating heavily even in the middle of the World Cup, while Lucumí stayed focused on wearing the Colombian jersey. Now, with the tournament over, negotiations picked up speed, and everything points to the defender's next European chapter having a new destination.

According to transfer specialist journalist Fabrizio Romano, Juventus already has a verbal agreement in place to sign Lucumí. The fee being discussed to close the deal is in the neighborhood of 20 million euros, with the final details of the transfer reportedly being ironed out within hours.

A rise earned the hard way in Italy

Lucumí's run at Bologna wasn't built overnight. The Colombian earned an undisputed spot in the starting eleven and ended up being a key piece in the growth of a team that turned heads across Serie A. Wearing that jersey, he also picked up an achievement that will stay with him for the rest of his career: the Coppa Italia title, a trophy that also meant Bologna snapping a very long title drought.

That steady level of play, combined with a strong World Cup with Colombia, ended up convincing Juventus's front office, which had spent weeks tracking him closely before deciding to make a serious move.

What does this move mean for Lucumí? Going from Bologna to a historic club like Juventus is no small step. It's the kind of opportunity few South American center backs get in Italian soccer, and it comes right as his name is starting to carry real weight on the international stage as well.

With the verbal agreement already in place and the 20 million euro figure practically settled, only the administrative loose ends remain before Lucumí becomes the newest addition to Juventus's back line. Official confirmation, barring any last minute snags, should arrive soon.