Liverpool agree phrases to signal Prem star as Arne Slot’s dream switch strikes nearer
Liverpool are in talks to sign Arne Slot’s dream transfer before the January window slams shut on Monday, with personal terms agreed between the Reds and the player
Lutsharel Geertruida is close to joining Liverpool(Image: Matt McNulty, Getty Images)
Liverpool are advancing in discussions about taking over Lutsharel Geertruida’s loan arrangement at Sunderland for the rest of the campaign. Geertruida, who previously worked under Reds manager Arne Slot at Feyenoord, has been spending this season on loan with the Black Cats from Bundesliga outfit RB Leipzig.
Slot suggested following Saturday’s commanding 4-1 Premier League victory over Newcastle United at Anfield that Liverpool were exploring ways to bolster their squad before Monday evening’s transfer window closes.
The 25-year-old Geertruida, a right-back capable of operating at centre-back and in defensive midfield, has surfaced as one of various possibilities, though the arrangement is thought to be complex as deals would need to be struck with both Sunderland and Leipzig.
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It’s believed Sunderland would only permit Geertruida’s departure once they’ve secured a replacement for the versatile Dutchman.
According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, an agreement was reached between Liverpool and the player days ago on personal terms. Geetruida’s relationship with Slot has been key to the deal. However, a solution is yet to be reached between the three clubs concerned.
Liverpool have faced availability issues at right-back with Conor Bradley ruled out for the season following knee surgery, Jeremie Frimpong is currently injured with a groin problem and Joe Gomez is also battling fitness concerns.
Dominik Szoboszlai was forced to fill an emergency role in that position at the weekend, whilst a serious ACL injury to teenage centre-back Giovanni Leoni has further restricted Slot’s defensive options.
Geertruida, who has earned 19 caps for Holland, has featured 17 times for Sunderland this season. But just one of his 10 starts has come at right-back.
The defender launched his professional journey at his local side Feyenoord, where he claimed the Eredivisie crown in 2023 under Slot’s guidance.
Geertruida also fuelled speculation about a possible switch to Anfield in April 2024 when, just after Slot was announced as Jurgen Klopp’s successor, he was seen in the visiting supporters’ section during Liverpool’s 2-2 stalemate with West Ham United.
