Régis Le Bris hails Lutsharel Geertruida return and plays down talk of summer exit | OneFootball

Régis Le Bris hailed Lutsharel Geertruida’s impressive return to Sunderland’s starting XI on Saturday, saying the timing of the recall was right and that the defender justified it. He also said he had not been told of any decision regarding Geertruida’s summer future.

Geertruida came in because Dan Ballard was suspended, making his first start since the Tyne-Wear derby win over Newcastle United in March. In the second half he almost settled the match, his strike from the edge of the area coming back off the post.

Le Bris explained that recent selection had given Luke a run of three or four games, and form had fluctuated, so this was an opportunity for Geertruida, known as Lucha, to step in. He felt the 25-year-old took that chance well.

According to Sky Sports Germany, a decision has been made that Geertruida will not stay at Sunderland next season. The report said the Leipzig loanee will not see his €23m option triggered, will first return to Leipzig, and that a permanent move elsewhere is being sought, with early enquiries and interest across Europe’s top five leagues.

Le Bris said he did not know about that claim and stressed that, for now, Geertruida remains a Sunderland player after a positive display. He noted there are two games still to play, the defender is with the club until the end of June, and any call on next season would involve the player, Sunderland and any other club.

He added that the focus is on finishing this campaign before turning to those discussions.

Source: Sunderland Echo