Luke O’Nien urges Lutsharel Geertruida to stay amid Liverpool interest after Sunderland finale | OneFootball

Luke O’Nien has urged Lutsharel Geertruida to stay at Sunderland, with the Dutch defender’s future one of the summer’s big questions after the Chelsea finale.

According to Sunderland Echo, O’Nien said he had been asking him every day to remain and even joked about slipping a contract under a napkin after the Chelsea game.

Geertruida arrived on loan with a strong reputation. He was linked with Liverpool in January, while Tottenham Hotspur were also credited with interest, and his long-term future remains undecided in a World Cup year.

He has not always been a regular under Régis Le Bris, but when involved he has looked exactly the kind of high-level, versatile defender Sunderland would want to keep if possible.

He has covered across the back line and provided quality in possession, experience and tactical flexibility. His professionalism has resonated in the dressing room despite spells waiting for chances.

Whether that admiration can be turned into him staying is less straightforward. Geertruida’s profile, external interest and international aims mean regular football will be a major factor ahead of this summer’s World Cup.

O’Nien’s stance was unmistakable, though, the dressing room would vote for Geertruida to stick around.

Source: Sunderland Echo