Football Insider exclusive as Sunderland defender Lutsharel Geertruida is in action during a game, while Everton manager David Moyes grins in a cir...
(Credit: Imago)
Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent
Mon 18 May 2026 16:45, UK
Lutsharel Geertruida is keen to continue playing in the Premier League next season amid interest from Everton, sources have told Football Insider.
RB Leipzig are open to selling the right-back when he returns from his loan spell at Sunderland this summer, and the Toffees have positioned themselves in the race to sign him permanently.
Sources have indicated that the 25-year-old would welcome the chance to continue playing in the English top flight next term, but it will depend on what offers come in for him.
Geertruida is currently attracting interest from clubs in the top divisions of Germany, Spain and Italy, while Everton are currently the main suitor in the Premier League.
Everton’s right-back situation is a top priority for them to address once the summer window opens, and they already have their eyes locked on a target in Geertruida.
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Everton have already had eyes on Lutsharel Geertruida
Geertruida has played a significant role for Sunderland this season, but the Wearsiders recently decided that they will not take up their option to buy him at the end of his loan spell.
The defender has made 27 league appearances for the Black Cats since making the switch from the Bundesliga last summer, and Everton have had representatives watching him at many of those.
Stats Geertruida O’Brien
Apps (Starts) 27 (16) 36 (34)
Defensive Contributions per 90 6.26 6.7
Tackles per 90 2.03 1.65
Duels Won % 57.5% 61.4%
Pass Accuracy % 85.7% 74%
Dribbled Past per 90 0.68 0.21
Geertruida’s 2025-26 Premier League stats compared to O’Brien, as per Fotmob.
Alan Nixon revealed via his Patreon account on Sunday night that the Merseysiders have had scouts watching the player on several occasions, and are now keen to get a deal done for him ahead of 2026-27.
Leipzig are prepared to cash in on Geertruida if they receive an offer at the £20million mark, and that has caught the attention of Everton, who have a new right-back towards the top of their shopping list.
David Moyes has regularly had to call upon centre-back Jake O’Brien to fill that position this term, and he and the recruitment team are on the hunt for a more natural replacement in the coming months.
Geertruida looks set to potentially provide them with that, and he is keen on the idea of a move to the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Toffees now backing away from Liam Delap deal
Former Everton chief executive Keith Wyness told Football Insider on Monday that Everton have cooled their interest in Chelsea striker Liam Delap, after they have been heavily linked with a move for him this summer.
The Scottish businessman suggested that the Toffees are now slowly backing away from any potential deal, amid concerns regarding the attitude that the frontman has shown since moving to Stamford Bridge.
Wyness outlined that Moyes will be “doing his research” regarding Delap’s personality and the way that he handles himself behind the scenes, which has seemingly deterred Everton from making a move at the moment.
Delap has managed just one league goal since joining Chelsea from Ipswich for £30m last summer, and Everton are well aware that they would have to shell out a big fee to get him.
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