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Liverpool targeted the Sunderland defender during the January transfer window to provide short-term cover for their defensive injury crisis.
The Reds thought they were closing in on a defensive signing in January before Sunderland pulled the plug at the last minute.
Similar to the story of last summer, when Marc Guehi’s move to Liverpool fell through in the final stages of the summer transfer window when Crystal Palace deemed him too important to let go as they had not been able to find a replacement.
Lutsharel Geertruida is on loan at Sunderland from RB Leipzig and can play any position across the backline.
Given his Netherlands internationality as well, he would’ve fit in quickly at Liverpool.
The player reportedly agreed to the move and personal terms were all wrapped up but the clubs could not find an agreement to cut his Sunderland loan move short and allow him to make the switch to Liverpool.
Sunderland deemed it the wrong decision in the end, and the move didn’t happen.
Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris was recently questioned on the situation and he admitted he ‘values’ the defender’s versatility.
Speaking to Sunderland Echo he said:
“I think we have to value his versatility, because it’s his strength. And for him, it’s a complex situation, because he’s really useful for the squad. Often the 11th [for] game time for 10 positions on the pitch, but till the 11th, which is really good in the Premier League.”
“And the ambition to be a starter is normal for a footballer. The World Cup, with his future in his mind is really important as well.”
Sunderland do have the option within their loan agreement to make Geertruida’s stay permanent if they wish, and Le Bris provided an honest assessment on the future of the player.
“I don’t know, to be fair, I don’t know.”
“I really appreciate his profile, the person as well, he’s a good team-mate in the dressing room. Like Trai [Hume], for example. Trai is our captain, right-back, left-back, centre-back, right-winger, midfielder.”
“So the versatility in modern football is key. Probably you can’t have six or seven players like that, but at least two or three are really important, and I think Lucha is this kind of player.”
If Sunderland were to sign Lutsharel Geertruida on a permanent deal, Liverpool will feel they’ve missed out on yet another player there.
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