Image Credits: Imago Images
From a Liverpool point of view, Lutsharel Lutsharel Geertruida looks like the exact type of defender you target when the schedule tightens and the squad gets thin.
His background fits that profile.
He came through the Feyenoord system, debuted in 2017, and grew into a trusted senior figure over the years.
Under Arne Slot, he became a regular and often wore responsibility, with 127 appearances in that spell and captaincy duties mentioned as part of his leadership value.
This season at Sunderland A.F.C., the numbers show reliability rather than hype: 17 appearances, 972 minutes, and a clean discipline record with no cards.
That steadiness matters when you need a defender to play multiple roles.
He is described as a “Swiss Army knife” defender because he can play right-back, centre-back, and defensive midfield, and even cover left-back if needed.
His on-ball comfort is also noted, with “86% pass completion this season”.
Liverpool’s interest makes sporting sense in that context.
Injuries to Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong are the trigger here, and the timing explains the urgency.
That is the background to why this story escalated so quickly.
Now, there’s a twist that’s emerging.
According to Sacha Tavolieri, “Lutsharel Geertruida should stay at Sunderland!”
The report says the club listened to the player and, after internal talks, “the Dutchman and the Black Cats decided to focus on the next chapter of their story,” with the first target being Monday’s match against Burnley F.C..
If true, then this directly clashes with Liverpool’s situation.
Recent claims show that there is a full agreement on personal terms, with RB Leipzig also giving a green light.
But the roadblock is the loan.
There is no break clause, so Liverpool would need Sunderland to end the deal early.
Sunderland are said to be open, but only if they can sign a replacement before the deadline tomorrow.
Meanwhile, Liverpool see him as an immediate solution who would slot straight into the squad, especially with Ibrahima Konate also part of the wider defensive picture.
🔴⚪️ EXCLUSIVE : Lutsharel Geertruida should stay at Sunderland! The club listened to the player and, following internal discussions, the Dutchman and the Black Cats decided to focus on the next chapter of their story, with the first objective being Monday’s match against… pic.twitter.com/8cO5xVNjhB
— Sacha Tavolieri (@sachatavolieri) February 1, 2026
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