Not even Jurgen Klopp can help as last-minute Liverpool transfer plan collapses

Liverpool was in discussions to hijack Lutsharel Geertruida's loan from RB Leipzig to Sunderland before the transfer deadline, but that deal is no longer expected to happen

Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp now works for Red Bull(Image: Getty Images)

Ex-Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp could've been instrumental in the Reds' pursuit of RB Leipzig defender Lutsharel Geertruida - but the transfer now seems very unlikely.

It's believed Liverpool was in talks about ending the player's loan spell with Sunderland before Monday's deadline. The Reds needed both Leipzig and Sunderland to approve Geertruida's last-minute move to Anfield, but failed to get the latter's permission.

According to Paul Joyce of The Times, Sunderland is not in a position to allow Geertruida to leave the Stadium of Light at such short notice. It's claimed the 25-year-old star was keen on a move to Merseyside after hearing about Liverpool's late interest.

The Reds are keen to strengthen their defensive options before Monday's transfer deadline.

Had Sunderland managed to find a replacement for Geertruida and allowed him to join Liverpool, the Reds would've then required Leipzig's approval for the transfer. This is where Klopp could've been pivotal.

The German now holds the position of Red Bull's Head of Global Soccer, a role he's occupied since early 2025. Speaking during the summer, Klopp indicated his influence at Red Bull's clubs, including Leipzig, goes further than many might anticipate.

Lutsharel Geertruida was linked with Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)

Addressing his responsibilities, he stated: "I don't know if I need to explain this a thousand more times – I'm not the shadow boss here.

"I'm just trying to contribute my experience – and I really do have quite a lot of that."

Before taking up his role with the Red Bull organization, Klopp spent nine years in charge of Liverpool.

During that spell, he led the club to one Premier League title, one Champions League victory, one FA Cup triumph, and two League Cup successes, among other honors.

Following Saturday's 4-1 win over Newcastle, current Liverpool manager Arne Slot admitted that the club is keen to strengthen the squad before the deadline.

"I think there's always a lot of talk about Liverpool and Liverpool players," he said.

"There was a lot of noise around the club the last week, or should I say weeks, but today our fans showed what noise really means. That is being loud, they were so helpful today, that is what noise here is in Liverpool.

"We are trying to strengthen the squad and not trying to weaken it. But yeah, 48-72 hours to go, let us see where the window ends up."