Régis Le Bris hails Lutsharel Geertruida return and addresses summer exit report | OneFootball

Régis Le Bris praised Lutsharel Geertruida on his return to Sunderland’s starting XI and addressed a report about the defender’s future beyond this season.

Geertruida, 25, started due to Dan Ballard’s suspension, his first appearance from the outset since March’s Tyne-Wear derby win over Newcastle United, and hit the post in the second half. According to Sky Sports Germany, a decision has been made that he will not stay next season, with Sunderland not set to trigger a €23m option and an initial return to Leipzig planned.

Le Bris said the timing was right to recall him, explaining that Luke had played three or four games in a row, then found it tougher, so this was Geertruida’s chance and he delivered.

On the report, Le Bris said he did not know of any such development. He noted Geertruida is a Sunderland player, did well, and that there are two games left. He added the defender is with the club until the end of June, after which any decision will involve the player, Sunderland and, in this context, another club.

The report also said there is internal clarity, that initial enquiries have begun, and that the Dutch international has a market in Europe’s top five leagues as a permanent solution is explored.

Source: Sunderland Echo