Lutsharel Geertruida already made Arne Slot feelings clear as Liverpool in talks over late transfer

Liverpool is in talks over a deal for RB Leipzig defender Lutsharel Geertruida, who is currently on loan at Sunderland and previously praised Arne Slot after working with him at Feyenoord

Lutsharel Geertruida has already spoken about Arne Slot amid talks over a move to Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)

Sunderland loanee Lutsharel Geertruida, who is currently in high demand, has previously praised Liverpool head coach Arne Slot amid talks of a potential January transfer.

The ex-Feyenoord star also claimed that the Premier League-winning boss brought out the 'best in him' during their stint together in Rotterdam - a period which saw Slot guide the club to Eredivisie glory. According to Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool has initiated discussions about a move for the 25-year-old, who is presently on loan at Sunderland from RB Leipzig.

Liverpool is currently grappling with defensive issues, with Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk being their only fit senior center-backs at the moment, complemented by Andy Robertson and Milos Kerkez in the full-back roles. Joe Gomez has been plagued by recurring injuries, and he, along with summer recruit Jeremie Frimpong, have returned to the treatment room, joining Giovanni Leoni and Conor Bradley who both suffered season-ending knee injuries.

The Athletic has reported that Liverpool is in discussions over a possible loan deal for the Dutch international - however, any such move would require Sunderland's approval, where he has made 17 appearances this season.

Liverpool.com understands that Geertruida is indeed someone that Liverpool is exploring, though there is an acceptance that it is a complicated deal to get done, given he is currently on loan at Sunderland. He is one of a few options under consideration before the transfer deadline.

Geertruida was with Leipzig when Darwin Nunez's goal proved sufficient for the Reds to edge past the Bundesliga side during the Champions League's league phase in 2024, reports the Liverpool Echo.

Liverpool is reportedly in talks with Sunderland over Lutsharel Geertruida(Image: Getty Images)

Ahead of his reunion with his former manager, the Netherlands international heaped praise on Liverpool's boss, stating: "Arne managed to get the best out of me. He was never afraid to give me some harsh truths and was always correct in what he said about me.

"I believe he was a game changer for Feyernoord as soon as he arrived in Rotterdam. We always looked to play a dominant style of football, no matter the opponent.

"That led to us winning both the league title and the cup - as well as also getting us to a Conference League final. That shows he did a really great job.

"He is an intelligent coach who knows how he wants to go about things. Off-the-field he is, also, very open and is always prepared to listen to what you have to say and is easy to have a conversation with."

Geertruida is a versatile player who has featured across the defensive line and midfield, but has primarily played at right-back.

Frimpong's recent injury scare wasn't as severe as initially thought, and he is expected to be back in action in a few weeks after being forced off early against Qarabag in the Champions League.

Arne Slot has left the door open to Liverpool making late moves in the transfer window(Image: Getty Images)

Slot, intriguingly, left the door ajar for a potential new arrival on deadline day in a surprising revelation.

He commented: "I think there's always lots of talks about Liverpool and lots of talks about the Liverpool players.

"There was a lot of noise around the club the last week, maybe I should say weeks.

"I think our fans showed today what noise really means, that's being loud because they were so helpful today.

"So that is what what noise here is in Liverpool. I think we are trying to strengthen the squad and not trying to weaken it. Yeah, 48 hours or something, I don't know how long to go. So let's see where the window ends up."