Sunderland open talks to keep Lutsharel Geertruida as retained list confirms senior exits | OneFootball

Sunderland have opened talks to sign Lutsharel Geertruida after publishing their retained and released list for the end of 2025-26. The Netherlands defender spent last season on loan from RB Leipzig and any permanent deal would also require his approval.

Sunderland hold an option to buy, and the 25-year-old arrived with pedigree after winning the Eredivisie at Feyenoord and breaking into the national side. He does not feature on the departures list.

His campaign on Wearside was mixed, in and out of Régis Le Bris’ side, but his versatility across the back line proved valuable. He finished strongly as Sunderland secured seventh place and Europa League football, earning another Netherlands call-up.

Dan Neil, Dennis Cirkin, Bertrand Traoré and Niall Huggins will depart. Neil, an academy graduate with more than 200 appearances who captained the return to the Premier League, leaves after a significant spell. Cirkin exits after five years and more than 120 games.

Traoré departs after one season. Huggins, signed from Leeds in 2021, battled injuries but produced an exceptional strike against Watford in 2023-24 that won the club’s Goal of the Season.

At under-21 level, nine players will leave, with second-year scholars Ivan Struk and George Bell also departing.

The club thanked all departing players and has offered professional terms to eight academy prospects. All other first-team players are retained as preparations continue for the Premier League and a European return under Le Bris.

Source: Sunderland Echo