Sunderland loanee Lutsharel Geertruida is reportedly attracting interest from across the Premier League.
The versatile defender is currently on loan at the Stadium of Light from RB Leipzig, and has featured 27 times across all competitions for the first team on Wearside this season. As things stand, the Black Cats retain the option to make his temporary move permanent at the end of the current campaign, but, despite that possibility, online outlet TEAMtalk claim that a number of sides are monitoring his situation.
Alongside Liverpool - who made an attempt to prise Geertruida away from the North East during the January transfer window as well - the likes of Aston Villa, Everton, Tottenham, and Crystal Palace are all said to be keen.
It is understood that any deal for the 25-year-old, whether completed by Sunderland or another suitor, would cost somewhere in the region of £20 million, but while the Black Cats hold a distinct advantage in the race for his signature, much could hinge on the player’s own wishes too. To that end, TEAMtalk state that “while Geertruida is happy on Wearside, his representatives are aware of the emerging interest and potential opportunities elsewhere – and not just in England either”.
For their part, Liverpool’s initial bid to sign Geertruida came in the midst of a defensive injury crisis at Anfield, with Arne Slot and his recruitment team identifying the talent - who he previously worked alongside at Feyenoord - as an ideal stop gap option at the back. Ultimately, however, Sunderland’s inability to find a suitable replacement of their own before deadline day thwarted the Reds’ attempt.
Speaking at the time, Slot said: “We've tried to strengthen the squad in winter break and the player you mentioned [Geertruida], in the end, wasn't available. But we've tried to strengthen the squad - that is clear. And that tells you that we think that it would have helped us.”
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What has Regis Le Bris said about Sunderland loanee Lutsharel Geertruida?
Reflecting on the usefulness of Geertruida’s versatility, as well his prospects as a regular starter for Sunderland, during a press conference last month, Black Cats head coach Le Bris said: “I think his main strength is versatility, and probably in this industry, the most usual pathway is to stay in one position.
“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. 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 rumours, 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.”
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