Liverpool are stepping up negotiations to assume Lutsharel Geertruida’s temporary move at Sunderland until the end of the season. The Dutch defender is currently with the Black Cats on loan from RB Leipzig, but the Merseyside club are exploring a late solution ahead of Monday night’s deadline.
Liverpool are stepping up negotiations to assume Lutsharel Geertruida’s temporary move at Sunderland until the end of the season. The Dutch defender is currently with the Black Cats on loan from RB Leipzig, but the Merseyside club are exploring a late solution ahead of Monday night’s deadline.
Head coach Arne Slot hinted after Saturday’s emphatic 4-1 Premier League win over Newcastle United at Anfield that reinforcements were being considered, and Geertruida has since emerged as one of the options under review.
The 25-year-old previously worked closely with Slot during their time together at Feyenoord, a relationship that has played a major role in Liverpool’s pursuit. According to Fabrizio Romano, the Reds reached an understanding with the player on contractual terms several days ago.
Despite progress on that front, discussions remain complicated. Any agreement would require approval from both Sunderland and Leipzig, with no final breakthrough achieved between the three parties so far.
Sunderland are understood to be reluctant to release Geertruida unless a suitable replacement is lined up first. The Dutch international has been used primarily away from his natural right-sided role, starting just once there among his 10 league starts this season.
Capable of filling multiple defensive roles — including central defence and midfield shielding — Geertruida has made 17 appearances during the current campaign and brings flexibility that appeals to Liverpool’s coaching staff.
Liverpool’s interest has intensified due to mounting fitness issues at the back. Conor Bradley has been ruled out for the remainder of the season following knee surgery, while Jeremie Frimpong and Joe Gomez are also sidelined with injuries.
Those absences forced Dominik Szoboszlai into an improvised role at right-back last weekend. Matters were further worsened by a serious ACL setback suffered by young centre-half Giovanni Leoni, leaving Slot short of options across his defensive unit.
Geertruida’s history with Feyenoord includes winning the Eredivisie title in 2023 under Slot, and he further stirred speculation last April when he appeared among away supporters during Liverpool’s 2-2 draw with West Ham, shortly after Slot was confirmed as Jurgen Klopp’s successor.
