Lucumí knew he would reach a big club

Agent Simone Rondanini discusses Jhon Lucumí's rise from Belgian football to becoming a Juventus starter and Colombia international.

Simone Rondanini, co-director at The.Team agency, reflects on Jhon Lucumí's career trajectory in an interview with AS. Rondanini has represented the Colombian defender since his time at Genk in Belgium, before Lucumí's breakthrough at Bologna and subsequent move to Juventus.

Rondanini recalls first meeting Lucumí at a Colombia national team match in Barranquilla, where the player was on the bench for both games. He was impressed by Lucumí's ball-playing ability and pace, and encouraged him to be patient with his development. When asked if he thought he had a ceiling, Lucumí replied "No" — a response that convinced Rondanini of his potential.

The agent describes Lucumí as introverted and family-focused, someone who speaks of needing "to work" rather than simply train. Rondanini notes that while the move to Juventus took longer than hoped — about a year more than expected — Lucumí has now achieved his dream, becoming a Juventus regular and a starter for Colombia. Rondanini emphasizes the mental strength required for such a progression, from watching matches from the stands to competing at the highest level.