Sunderland stance on Lutsharel Geertruida exit as Liverpool opens transfer talks

While Liverpool is reportedly interested in signing Lutsharel Gerrtruida, any move would only be possible if Sunderland gets a replacement and compensation for the on-loan Dutchman

Liverpool is in talks over a deal for Lutsharel Geertruida(Image: Getty Images)

Liverpool reportedly wants to sign defender Lutsharel Geertruida in a move that would see the Dutchman reunite with his former Feyenoord manager, Arne Slot, on Merseyside.

With the transfer window set to close in just over 24 hours, the Reds have until 7 pm UK time (2pm ET) to make any additions to their squad for the remainder of their 2025/26 campaign. While Slot has downplayed the likelihood of any new signings in recent weeks, news broke on Sunday that the Reds want to bring in Geertruida, who is currently on loan at Sunderland.

The versatile defender is capable of playing at right-back, center-back or in midfield, with Liverpool keen on landing Geertuida due to right-backs Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong being out injured. The injuries to the pair forced Slot to start Dominik Szoboszlai at right-back on Saturday in Liverpool's 4-1 win over Newcastle United under the lights at Anfield.

But any deal for Geertruida is complicated by the fact that the Reds need to negotiate on two fronts.

Firstly, they need to agree on a fee with RB Leipzig, the Dutchman's parent club, who loaned him to Sunderland in the summer. Any agreement between RB Leipzig and Liverpool would also require the former to break their deal with the Black Cats, who would also need to be compensated for agreeing to terminate Geertruida's loan.

Lutsharel Geertruida worked under Arne Slot during their time together at Feyenoord(Image: Getty Images)

Additionally, Sunderland would also need to bring in a replacement, according to The Athletic. Geertruida has made 17 appearances in the Premier League this term for Sunderland, who currently sit 11th in the table.

Liverpool.com understands that Geertruida is someone the Reds are interested in signing, but there is an acceptance that any deal for the Dutchman would be complicated, given its impact on Sunderland.

However, the Reds look more likely to bring in a player before the transfer deadline than to let any of their current squad leave before the window slams shut. Earlier this week, Liverpool dismissed interest from Inter Milan about a potential move for midfielder Curtis Jones, whose contract expires in 18 months.

They also ended discussions with Tottenham Hotspur over a deal for Andy Robertson, with it expected that none of Slot's senior squad will depart Merseyside before the transfer window closes.

Lutsharel Geertruida, who is on loan at Sunderland from RB Leipzig(Image: Jan Kruger/Getty Images)

"I think there's always a lot of talk about Liverpool and Liverpool players," said Slot, speaking after the Reds 4-1 win over Newcastle about the transfer window.

"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."