Arne Slot himself pushed for surprise Liverpool transfer | OneFootball

It was Arne Slot who pushed for a surprise Liverpool transfer this season. The Reds couldn't make it happen, however.

Liverpool were in a crisis at the end of the January transfer window. Their right-backs were dwindling after Conor Bradley was ruled out for the season and Jeremie Frimpong continued to battle injury issues.

There was no obvious solution, however. Liverpool looked at a few options but landed none - and that's despite aiming for some surprising choices.

One of those was Lutsharel Geertruida, on loan at Sunderland. The Dutchman wasn't getting minutes with the Black Cats and Liverpool wanted to see if they could get him from RB Leipzig as a result.

Sunderland, understandably, saw the situation Liverpool were in and demanded a fee. The Reds wouldn't pay and thus Geertruida remained in the North East.

There's now a chance that he heads somewhere new this summer, with Liverpool potentially a landing spot. However, it's a surprise one.

Geertruida didn't really demonstrate any great ability to play for Sunderland. Nor are Leipzig ready to offer him regular football.

So why were Liverpool? The latest Kick-off podcast from De Telegraaf suggests it was Arne Slot pushing for the move - perhaps not a massive shock given he coached him at Feyenoord.

But it does beg the question of what the plan is here. Geertruida really doesn't appear to be of the required quality and surely Liverpool want to aim higher than that?

Lutsharel Geertruida: Situation Summary

Sunderland Performance and Stats

As of 16 May 2026, Lutsharel Geertruida is set to conclude his season-long loan at Sunderland from RB Leipzig. The 25-year-old versatile defender has made 26 Premier League appearances under Régis Le Bris, primarily operating at right-back. He recently returned to the starting line-up, playing the full 90 minutes and executing two crucial interceptions during a 0–0 draw against Manchester United on 9 May.

Transfer Speculation

Sunderland have officially decided against triggering their £20 million permanent purchase option, meaning Geertruida will initially return to Germany. However, a summer departure from Leipzig remains highly likely. Reports from May indicate intense Premier League interest, with long-term admirers Liverpool monitoring his situation alongside Aston Villa, Tottenham, and Leeds United, the latter holding initial talks.

International Standing