According to an update by reputed English journalist David Ornstein, Lutsharel Geertruida is no longer the subject of interest from Liverpool. The Reds have been mulling over reinforcing their defensive unit by signing a right-back before the winter transfer window deadline after Jeremie Frimpong sustained a muscular injury last week.
However, while Geertruida emerged as a target due to his versatility and familiarity with Arne Slot, a deadline-day deal will not materialise. Ornstein has suggested that while the Reds were “ready to advance” and sign the Dutchman, a last-gasp transfer was “too complicated”. The player was also keen on joining Liverpool, but the move has now collapsed.
Lutsharel Geertruida has endured a topsy-turvy ride in the last few years. The 25-year-old graduated from the youth division at Feyenoord and rose in prominence during his spell with the Eredivisie outfit. He even served Feyenoord as the club captain under now-Liverpool manager Arne Slot before joining RB Leipzig in August 2024.
However, the Dutch defender was in and out of the starting lineup, and the Bundesliga giants were happy to loan him to Sunderland last summer. Geertruida has been solid for the Black Cats thus far, making 17 Premier League appearances. However, recent reports linked the Netherlands international with a reunion with Arne Slot, as Liverpool contemplated a last-ditch loan move.
Lutsharel Geertruida has been on Liverpool’s wishlist for a long time. The continued interest was understandable, as the Reds have been scouring the market for a right-back in the past week due to Jeremie Frimpong’s latest injury. The Dutchman sustained a muscular issue in the UEFA Champions League clash with Qarabag, leaving Arne Slot without a recognised right-back apart from the out-of-favour Calvin Ramsay.
Geertruida thus emerged as a viable target for Liverpool, with recent reports claiming they were on the cusp of securing his services. However, the Reds have ruled out a last-gasp move for the Netherlands international, as a deal was “too complicated” due to the negotiations with two clubs.
Widespread reports have revealed that Sunderland’s loan deal for the 25-year-old Dutch defender has no recall clause for RB Leipzig. So, Liverpool needed to discuss the operation with the Bundesliga outfit and the Black Cats. While the Premier League champions were “ready to advance” and sign Geertruida, who was keen on the move, it will not materialise. The Reds have also ruled out pursuing an alternative.
