Liverpool tried to sign Lutsharel Geertruida at the end of the winter transfer window, only for Sunderland to be unable to find a replacement in time for the deal to happen
21:16, 28 Apr 2026
Lutsharel Geertruida during the friendly game between the Netherlands and Ecuador on March 31, 2026.
Lutsharel Geertruida during the friendly game between the Netherlands and Ecuador on March 31, 2026.(Image: ANP via Getty Images)
When Liverpool was short of options in the winter transfer window, it explored a move for a player that Arne Slot knows well. He wasn't the only one considered, but Lutsharel Geertruida was on the Reds' radar.
Geertuida, though, was always viewed as a long shot. In theory, he was ideal: he can play right-back and holding midfield, two positions where Liverpool was light of numbers, and he already had an existing relationship with Slot, having worked under the Dutchman when he played for Feyenoord.
There was just one problem, however. Geertruida is currently on loan at Sunderland, and while the Black Cats would not stand in his way when Liverpool came in, they did insist on finding a replacement first.
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With Liverpool's move coming late in the month, there was no time for Sunderland to get anyone else in. As a result, it was decided that Geertruida would remain put.
According to BILD, though, when the summer transfer window opens, Geertruida will be allowed to leave for a fee of around $23 million (£17 million), whether that is to sign for Sunderland or to move elsewhere.
At 25, Geertuida's best years should still be ahead of him. There is a case for Liverpool adding more depth at full-back and in midfield heading into the summer too.
BRENTFORD, ENGLAND - JANUARY 07: Sunderland's Lutsharel Geertruida arriving at the stadium during the Premier League match between Brentford and Sunderland at Gtech Community Stadium on January 07, 2026 in Brentford, England. (Photo by Andrew Kearns - CameraSport via Getty Images)
Liverpool tried to sign Lutsharel Geertruida late on in the winter transfer window(Image: Getty Images)
While Liverpool was in for Geertruida then, it went for Jeremy Jacquet strongly, and the French center-back will join his new team in the summer.
Sunderland might not sign Geertruida permanently either, as Regis Le Bris admitted shortly after the interest from Liverpool emerged at the end of January.
"I think his main strength is versatility, and probably in this industry, the most usual pathway is to stay in one position," Le Bris said, via the Sunderland Echo.
"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.
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"Often the 11th [for] game time for 10 positions on the pitch, but still 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 this future in his mind, is really important as well.
"So many things are combined, and can add the complexity of the transfer window, with many rumors, many opportunities. But facts are facts, it's just the end of the process, do you want to sign or not, and it wasn't so clear finally."
Liverpool.com says: Geertruida is a steady operator and he would add depth at Anfield. A move elsewhere, though, is much more likely, where he can play more regularly.