Sunderland boss makes blunt Lutsharel Geertruida point after 'complex' Liverpool transfer failed

Liverpool made a late attempt to sign Lutsharel Geertruida during the transfer window, although the deal proved too complex as Sunderland decided against terminating his loan

Liverpool made a late attempt to sign Lutsharel Geertruida in the transfer window(Image: Getty Images)

Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris has admitted he’s unsure whether the club will sign Lutsharel Geertruida permanently, and is giving no assurances on his place in his side after his failed transfer to Liverpool.

The Reds made a late attempt to sign the defender before deadline day, but while the deal seemingly had the backing of Geertruida’s parent club RB Leipzig, it ultimately proved too complex to pull off.

Liverpool needed Sunderland to agree to terminate his loan at the Stadium of Light in order to make the move to Anfield, but with only around 24 hours to go in the window, the Black Cats weren’t able to find a suitable replacement.

The Reds therefore focused their efforts on signing Jeremy Jacquet on deadline day, with Geertruida going on to play that same night for Sunderland against Burnley.

The 25-year-old has been a regular feature for Le Bris’ side this season, although his versatility - he can play as a right-back, center-back or defensive midfielder - has seemingly worked against him, given he has been unable to nail down a spot in the starting XI.

“I think his main strength is versatility, and probably in this industry, the most usual pathway is to stay in one position,” Le Bris said (via the Sunderland Echo).

Regis Le Bris has admitted he doesn't know whether Sunderland will sign Lutsharel Geertruida permanently(Image: Getty Images)

“I think we have to value his versatility, because it's his strength. And for him, it's a complex situation, because he's really useful for the squad. Often the 11th [for] game time for 10 positions on the pitch, but still the 11th, which is really good in the Premier League.

“And the ambition to be a starter is normal for a footballer. The World Cup, with this future in his mind, is really important as well.

“So many things are combined, and can add the complexity of the transfer window, with many rumours, many opportunities. But facts are facts, it's just the end of the process, do you want to sign or not, and it wasn't so clear finally.”

Sunderland does have the option to make Geertruida’s stay a permanent one in the summer, although that would require all parties to come to an agreement, including the player. Given the defender seemed keen on a move to Liverpool, Le Bris admits it’s too early to say what the future holds for him.

“I don't know, to be fair, I don't know,” Le Bris added.

“I really appreciate his profile, the person as well, he's a good team-mate in the dressing room. Like Trai [Hume], for example. Trai is our captain, right-back, left-back, centre-back, right-winger, midfielder.

“So the versatility in modern football is key. Probably you can't have six or seven players like that, but at least two or three are really important, and I think Lucha is this kind of player.”