Florent Ghisolfi explains tough Lutsharel Geertruida decision and backs Sunderland’s Meunier move | OneFootball

Florent Ghisolfi says Sunderland were right to pass on a permanent deal for Lutsharel Geertruida last summer, choosing Thomas Meunier instead. According to Sunderland Echo, he accepted it was a difficult call.

Geertruida arrived from RB Leipzig on deadline day and became an important squad option for Régis Le Bris. He struggled to nail down a regular role but finished the season impressively at right back as the Black Cats sealed Europa League qualification.

Supporters hoped the club would activate an option worth about £17 million, and Sunderland did hold talks with the Dutchman. They ultimately brought in experienced full back Meunier on a free after his exit from Lille.

Ghisolfi said the priority for this season was keeping the group together. With one of the youngest squads in the Premier League, he felt stability mattered and that the team could grow collectively.

He added that Sunderland assessed the market and weighed both cost and impact. They came close to a deal but the price was significant, while Meunier offered leadership, European know-how, height and, crucially, arrived without a fee, which freed capacity elsewhere. After plenty of reflection, he thinks it was the right choice.

Geertruida has since joined Eredivisie side PSV Eindhoven on loan and has quickly established himself as a regular.

Source: Sunderland Echo

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