Liverpool has been handed another opportunity to revisit its interest in Lutsharel Geertruida, with the Reds having tried to sign the versatile defender during the January transfer window
15:13, 12 May 2026
Lutsharel Geertruida of Sunderland gives his team instructions during the Premier League match between Sunderland and Manchester United at Stadium Of Light in Sunderland, United Kingdom, on May 9, 2026
Liverpool could have the chance to revisit a transfer for Lutsharel Geertruida this summer(Image: Getty Images)
Liverpool will have another chance to revisit a deal for Lutsharel Geertruida this summer, with Sunderland set to turn down the chance to sign the defender permanently.
The Reds tried to sign Geertruida during the January transfer window, and it appeared at one stage as though he would make the move to Anfield amid an injury crisis in defense for Arne Slot’s side.
The Netherlands international was keen on linking back up with his former Feyenoord boss, but after talks were held, the deal fell through due to Sunderland being unable to find a suitable replacement as deadline day approached.
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Geertruida has since gone on to make 11 more appearances for the Black Cats in the Premier League and FA Cup, although he has been left on the bench by Regis Le Bris for four of the club’s last five games.
Now, Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg reports that Sunderland has decided against triggering the €23 million ($27M) option to make his loan from RB Leipzig permanent.
The 25-year-old will therefore return to Germany following the World Cup, although it is claimed that he’s unlikely to stay at Leipzig, with a permanent departure still on the cards. Initial enquiries have already been made by clubs from Europe’s top five leagues, although none are specifically named.
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)
That means Liverpool will have the chance to re-enter the conversation for Geertruida’s signature should it want to revisit him.
The Reds have been linked with him ever since Slot arrived as head coach, with Geertruida having spoken glowingly about his former boss.
“Arne managed to get the best out of me,” Geertruida told Leipzig’s official site.
“He was never afraid to give me some harsh truths and was always correct in what he said about me. I believe he was a game changer for Feyenoord as soon as he arrived in Rotterdam.
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“We always looked to play a dominant style of football, no matter the opponent. That led to us winning both the league title and the cup, as well as also getting us to a Conference League final. That shows he did a really great job.”
Geertruida’s availability may come at a good time for Liverpool, even though the club has already agreed a deal for Jeremy Jacquet to join from Rennes this summer.
Joe Gomez has put his future at Anfield into doubt, having hinted he could move on this summer. Like the England international, Geertruida is a versatile option, able to play at center-back or right-back, which may well appeal to Liverpool, especially with Conor Bradley working his way back from a serious knee injury.