Everything we know about Liverpool's bid to sign Lutsharel Geertruida

Liverpool's hopes of securing Lutsharel Geertruida on loan from RB Leipzig are fading as Sunderland is unable to find a replacement for the versatile defender before Monday's transfer deadline

Lutsharel Geertruida is not expected to join Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)

Liverpool's ambitions to hijack Lutsharel Geertruida's loan spell at Sunderland for the rest of the season are diminishing as Monday's transfer deadline looms.

Geertruida, who previously worked under Reds manager Arne Slot at Feyenoord, has been on loan at the Black Cats this campaign from Bundesliga outfit RB Leipzig. Following Saturday's commanding 4-1 Premier League victory over Newcastle at Anfield, Slot suggested Liverpool was exploring options to bolster its squad before Monday's transfer deadline.

The 25-year-old Geertruida, a versatile right-back capable of operating at center-back and in defensive midfield, has emerged as one of several targets Liverpool is weighing up ahead of the 7 pm Monday evening cut-off (local time).

However, concerns that the deal would prove complicated, requiring approval from both Sunderland and Leipzig, have now materialized.

While it is understood that both the player and Liverpool are eager to push ahead with the transfer, Sunderland is currently unable to sanction Geertruida's departure as the Black Cats haven't secured a replacement for the adaptable Dutchman.

The expectation in the North East is that Geertruida will continue preparations as usual for Monday's home fixture against Burnley, which kicks off an hour after the deadline closes.

Geertruida is set to stay at Sunderland(Image: Getty Images)

Liverpool has been grappling with availability issues at right-back.

Conor Bradley is ruled out for the remainder of the season following knee surgery, Jeremie Frimpong is currently out of action with a groin complaint, and Joe Gomez is also struggling with fitness concerns.

Dominik Szoboszlai was compelled to fill in as a makeshift option in the position at the weekend, while a long-term ACL injury to teenage center-back Giovanni Leoni has further reduced Slot's defensive options.

Who is Lutsharel Geertruida?

Geertruida made a name for himself at Feyenoord, becoming an important member of the squad under Dick Advocaat during the 2019-20 campaign. He continued to play regularly under Slot when the current Liverpool boss succeeded Advocaat in 2021.

The versatile star went on to make more than 200 appearances for Feyenoord, winning the Eredivisie title, two Dutch Cups, and two Dutch Super Cups. Two of those trophies - the 2023 Eredivisie title and 2024 Dutch Cup - were won under Slot.

Geertruida's impressive form in the Netherlands saw him earn a move to RB Leipzig during the summer of 2024, around the same time that Slot became Liverpool's manager. He played 35 times for the German side last season before joining Sunderland on loan.

Geertruida has been a key player for Sunderland since this transfer, helping the Black Cats earn 33 points from their first 23 Premier League games this season. Sunderland is now likely to avoid relegation, a big achievement for a newly promoted team.

Geertruida has also represented his country at international level, earning 19 senior caps for the Netherlands. He was part of the side that reached the semifinals of Euro 2024, losing to England.