Liverpool is now poised to pursue a long-standing target following a significant development.
The Reds have a fresh chance to acquire the right-back they missed out on during January’s transfer window. Despite their late efforts to secure the player before the window closed, they ultimately fell short.
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Two Dutch defenders were at the forefront of their considerations: Denzel Dumfries and Lutsharel Geertruida. Dumfries has a €25 million release clause that could become available this summer.
However, Geertruida’s situation is less straightforward. Currently on loan at Sunderland, the Black Cats have an option to make his loan permanent.
This arrangement complicated Liverpool’s ability to pursue Geertruida since Sunderland was not willing to relinquish that option. However, according to Sky Germany’s Philipp Hinze, that situation has now changed.
While Geertruida is set to return to RB Leipzig when the season concludes, Hinze suggests that he may not remain with the German club. Instead, there is interest from several top leagues across Europe.
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Liverpool have the chance to make another move, especially with Conor Bradley sidelined with a long-term knee injury, creating an opening for such a deal.
Lutsharel Geertruida: Current Situation Overview
Performance and Stats at Sunderland
As of May 8, 2026, Lutsharel Geertruida is completing a season-long loan with Sunderland from RB Leipzig. The 25-year-old versatile defender has participated in 25 Premier League matches this season, predominantly playing as a right-back and occasionally in defensive midfield. His recent performance includes a full 90 minutes in a 2–1 victory over Newcastle on March 22, although he has been on the bench for the past few games, including a 1–1 draw against Wolves on May 2. Geertruida boasts a strong defensive record, averaging 5.9 clearances and 1.8 tackles per match as Sunderland aims for a top-half finish.
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Transfer Speculation
With Geertruida’s return to Leipzig scheduled for July 1, his future remains a hot topic. Reports indicate that Liverpool reached a “full agreement” with him in late April, and coach Arne Slot is interested in reuniting with his former Feyenoord captain. RB Leipzig is anticipated to ask for around €23–27 million for the defender, whose contract extends until 2029.
International Status