Lutsharel Geertruida will not be attending Sunderland This summer, the Black Cats decided not to sign him on a permanent basis.
Journalist Philip Hinz reports that a decision has been taken At the Stadium of Light. Geertruida will not be at Sunderland this summer.
Sunderland decided
The 25-year-old joined Sunderland on loan from RB Leipzig in the summer. That deal includes the option to make Sunderland permanent for €23m. However, it is an option to buy rather than an obligation.
And it seems Sunderland have decided not to buy the defender this summer. Hinge reports that the decision has been made and there is 'internal clarity' on the matter.
Geertruida would initially return to Leipzig at the end of the season. However, 'chances are big' that the 25-year-old will not continue in the Bundesliga either. A permanent solution is being found for this.
Preliminary inquiries have already taken place at the Bundesliga club. Geertruida has a market in one of the top five leagues in Europe. Potential interested clubs and proposals are being carefully assessed and evaluated.
The defender has been a regular for Sunderland this season. He has made 25 appearances in the Premier League, although he has only featured in 49% of the available minutes. Where he ends up remains to be seen.
Liverpool interested?
There may be interest in the Premier League. Reports in England over the past few months have linked Liverpool with interest.
The defender worked under Arne Slot at Feyenoord and reportedly, he is interested in his former player. A deal was explored in the January transfer window, but Lutsharel Geertruida ultimately remained at Sunderland.
But now that he is returning to Leipzig in the summer, the door could open for the Reds. And with the German side keen to move him on, it is certainly an opportunity for them to find out if they need more defensive cover this summer.
