Sunderland open talks to sign Lutsharel Geertruida after retained list confirmed | OneFootball

Sunderland have confirmed their retained and released list, and opened talks on making Lutsharel Geertruida's loan permanent. The club said discussions with the RB Leipzig defender are ongoing. Any deal would require the player's approval.

The 25-year-old shone at Feyenoord, winning the Eredivisie and breaking into the Netherlands squad, and Liverpool showed interest in January 2025 before his Leipzig move.

His season was mixed, with spells in and out of Régis Le Bris' side, though his defensive versatility was useful.

He finished strongly as Sunderland clinched seventh and Europa League football. That run brought another Netherlands call-up, and he is not currently among the departures while talks continue.

Dan Neil, Dennis Cirkin, Bertrand Traoré and Niall Huggins will leave. Neil departs after more than 200 games, promotion from League One and a spell as captain.

Cirkin exits after five years and over 120 appearances. Traoré leaves after one season, while Huggins struggled with injuries but scored a notable Watford strike in 2023-24 that won Goal of the Season.

At under-21 level, nine players, including Oliver Bainbridge and Marshall Burke, will depart, along with scholars Ivan Struk and George Bell. Some exits could include a small fee or sell-on clause so the club can protect future value, and players may appear on the retained list before moving on.

Source: Sunderland Echo