Nottingham Forest are active in the market to find cover for Ola Aina at right back, with their potential move for Matty Cash now looking unlikely.
Forest looked at Cash in a move that looked ideal to cover the gaps at full-back in the Forest squad. Despite talks, though, Forest aren’t pushing ahead to sign Cash this summer.
This now leaves the Reds assessing their options at right-back, with cover needed for Ola Aina who is currently the only available player to Nuno Espírito Santo.
Options further afield are being discussed, including one who could well challenge Aina for a more important role in Nuno’s side.
Lutsharel Geertruida in action for RB Leipzig vs Holstein Kiel.
Photo by Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Lutsharel Geertruida could be the perfect right-back for Nottingham Forest
It looks as if Nahuel Molina would prefer to stay at Atletico Madrid rather than making a move to the City Ground, closing the Reds’ circle of targets even further.
According to The Athletic, RB Leipzig’s Lutsharel Geertruida looks to be an alternative to Molina and Cash, but he could even prove to be more than just a back-up.
Season Appearances Goals Assists
2024/25 (RB Leipzig) 35 1 1
2023/24 (Feyenoord) 47 9 5
2022/23 (Feyenoord) 41 3 3
2021/22 (Feyenoord) 41 4 1
2020/21 (Feyenoord) 37 8 2
Lutsharel Geertruida’s career stats
Having risen to stardom at boyhood club Feyenoord, the 25-year-old has almost 250 senior appearances to his name, with two separate seasons that have delivered double-figure goal contributions.
In context, Aina has only scored eight goals in his senior career. Of course, goals don’t and shouldn’t define a defender’s role, but Geertruida has other key attributes that could turn the Dutchman into Forest’s first choice on the right side.
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Lutsharel Geertruida excels in a possession-based side
Forest are transitioning into a possession-focused team this season after a campaign of counterattacking led them into the Europa League.
This means that the Reds have to prioritise players that are comfortable with the ball in the transfer window, something that Geertruida could certainly offer.
Statistic Lutsharel Geertruida 24/25
Passes completed per 90 50.92
Pass completion % 85.3%
Miscontrols per 90 0.62
Dispossessed per 90 0.37
Geertruida’s strength with the ball
Described as a “powerful” defender by Breaking the Lines, this doesn’t mean that physicality is his only attribute. Stepping up to the Bundesliga with Leipzig last season, he had an impressive pass completion of 85.3%.
Away from passing, Geertruida is also dependable in possession, miscontrolling the ball just 0.62 times per 90 minutes while being dispossessed 0.37 times.
His pedigree is undeniable and the stats only back up the idea that Geertruida would provide serious competition for Aina at the back, potentially even dethroning the Nigerian star.