Sunderland have seen a first-team star linked with moves elsewhere this summer.placeholder image
Sunderland have seen a first-team star linked with moves elsewhere this summer. | Getty Images
Sunderland have been one of the Premier League’s great success stories of the season - but could lose a key player in the transfer window.
Sunderland remain in with an outside shout of European qualification in their first season back in the Premier League after an outstanding campaign under Régis Le Bris this term.
The Black Cats completed a memorable double over bitter North East rivals Newcastle United with a 2-1 comeback win at St. James’ Park last weekend, which saw Sunderland leapfrog their hosts in the league table.
Their outstanding recruitment last summer has been one of the key factors in this season’s success at the Stadium of Light, with some of their recent signings already attracting interest from clubs elsewhere. With an important summer ahead if Sunderland are to consolidate themselves in the top flight next term, they will aim to complete the permanent signing of a key loan player – but could face huge competition from across the Premier League and beyond.
Sunderland face serious competition for Lutsharel Geertruida this summer
According to reports by TEAMtalk, Sunderland full-back Lutsharel Geertruida is currently the subject of a five-way chase ahead of the summer transfer window and Liverpool currently ‘lead’ the way as they hope to sign the Dutchman when his loan spell on Wearside comes to a close.
The Reds were linked with a surprise move for the versatile 25-year-old in January amidst their injury struggles at right-back, but a move was too complicated to pull off with his Black Cats loan move from RB Leipzig still active. Sunderland hold a £20million option to sign him permanently this summer – but the final decision rests with the player, and the number of options available to him is continuing to grow.
In addition to Sunderland and Liverpool, the other English clubs considering a move for Geertruida include Aston Villa, Tottenham Hotspur, Everton and Crystal Palace. He may have further interest from abroad in addition to this.
The Netherlands international has shone in a range of roles this season, commonly at right-back but also at centre-back and even in defensive midfield. His versatility has complicated his task when it comes to nailing down a single regular starting berth, but his 16 starts in all competitions have represented a successful first season in England with the Black Cats and rising summer interest is no surprise.
Could Liverpool or Aston Villa beat Sunderland to Geertruida permanent deal?
While Geertruida is said to be ‘happy’ at Sunderland, the reality that he might opt to move elsewhere in the summer represents an unfortunate possibility for the Black Cats which they will do all they can to avoid.
Le Bris’ side have had as good as campaign as they could have dreamed of this term but that does not guarantee their keeping hold of key players in the summer, particularly if higher wages and more regular European competition can be offered elsewhere. Ultimately, the Black Cats are still a newly-promoted side and have punched above their weight this term – considering their recent history at least.
Geertruida is an experienced utility player who has previously played under Arne Slot with Feyenoord, which could play into Liverpool’s hands if Slot stays at the club and launches another offensive for his former defender this summer.
The Reds are undoubtedly going to be in the market for versatile defensive options who can cover across both right-back and centre-back, while Geertruida also has experience playing across all three major European competitions during his previous time with Feyenoord and Leipzig. Aston Villa, meanwhile, are also in need of more cover at the back and could see Geertruida as a solution to their squad depth issues this term.
One thing which is for sure is that with Sunderland holding an option to buy the Dutchman permanently this summer, it appears that the 25-year-old will be on the move from Leipzig on a permanent basis. But with the player believed to hold the cards as to where he ends up next, this could become an intriguing transfer battle to watch out for.
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