Leeds United linked with Sunderland loanee Lutsharel Geertruida alongside likes of Liverpool and Everton
Leeds United reportedly hold an interest in RB Leipzig defender Lutsharel Geertruida as he approaches the end of his loan spell at Sunderland.
The 25-year-old joined the Black Cats on a season-long loan deal last summer and has since made 26 appearances in the Premier League.
A senior Netherlands international, Geertruida can also operate at centre-back or as a defensive midfielder and was considered a coup for Sunderland last summer. However, it has been suggested the Black Cats will not be taking up a €23m (£20m) option to buy him.
Lutsharel Geertruida has made 28 appearances across all competitions for Sunderland.placeholder image
Lutsharel Geertruida has made 28 appearances across all competitions for Sunderland. | Andy Buchanan/AFP via Getty Images
Leeds United named among admirers of Sunderland loanee
According to TEAMtalk, Leeds have been informed of the utility man’s expected availability and are interested in striking a deal.
It has been suggested the Whites could make use of their connection to the Red Bull network, as RB Leipzig come under their umbrella.
The report has claimed Leeds could face competition from Liverpool, who are thought to have remained admirers of Geertruida having looked at him in January.
Their Meryeyside rivals Everton have also been linked, with the Toffees thought to be keeping tabs alongside Aston Villa, Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace.
Clubs in Spain, Germany and France, meanwhile, are said to have enquired about Geertruida with the summer window edging closer.
Lutsharel Geertruida has come up against Leeds United twice this season.placeholder image
Lutsharel Geertruida has come up against Leeds United twice this season. | Richard Sellers/PA Wire
Lutsharel Geertruida as a potential signing for Leeds United
Geertruida’s versatility, as well as his experience of the Premier League, could prove incredibly useful for Leeds.
In Daniel Farke’s 3-4-2-1 system, he could fit into the central midfield roles recently filled by Ethan Ampadu or Ao Tanaka, or the centre-back slots occupied by the likes of Joe Rodon, Pascal Struijk and Jaka Bijol.
He could even be used in the right wing-back slot that has been taken by the likes of Jayden Bogle, James Justin and even Daniel James.
Geertruida does not appear to have a future at RB Leipzig and it will be fascinating to see where he is plying his trade when the 2026/27 season commences.
When Sunderland secured his signature last summer, the club’s then-sporting director Kristjaan Speakman said: “We are delighted that Lutsharel has joined us for the 2025/26 season.
“He was extremely motivated by our proposal from the very beginning, and the opportunity to bring such a high-calibre player to the club on loan was a perfect fit for us. Competition for his signature was high, but the combination of our club, city, and fanbase ultimately made the difference.”