‘Deal off’ – Fabrizio Romano confirms major Liverpool transfer blow | OneFootball

Liverpool face late setback in Geertruida pursuit

Liverpool’s already delicate January window has taken another twist after Fabrizio Romano delivered a stark update on Lutsharel Geertruida. With the clock ticking down and the Reds sitting sixth in the Premier League, Arne Slot’s side are scrambling for defensive cover after a spate of injuries to Joe Gomez, Jeremie Frimpong, Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leoni left options thin. A loan move for Geertruida until the end of the season had been explored as a pragmatic fix, but momentum has stalled at the worst possible time.

Romano’s message cut through the noise late on deadline day, and it did not offer much encouragement. He wrote, “Lutsharel Geertruida-Liverpool deal considered OFF by Sunderland after talks not advancing today. Discussions took place over last 24h but no agreement at this stage and #SAFC not planning to proceed.” That wording suggests that, despite genuine dialogue, the deal has failed to reach the required threshold for all parties.

Fabrizio Romano update on stalled talks

The clarity of Romano’s reporting underlines how fragile negotiations had become. Liverpool had hoped Sunderland’s stance could soften, allowing Geertruida to arrive on a temporary basis and ease immediate pressure. However, with “no agreement at this stage” and Sunderland “not planning to proceed”, Liverpool’s recruitment team now face a race against time to identify alternatives or revisit the framework of this proposal.

For Slot, who delivered the Premier League title in his first season in 2024-25, the timing could not be more awkward. Liverpool have won just six of their last 19 league games, a run that has chipped away at confidence and points alike. Defensive stability was viewed internally as a key lever to arrest that slide, and Geertruida’s versatility across the back line made him an attractive, low risk solution.

Lutsharel Geertruida fit within Slot plans

Geertruida’s profile aligns with Slot’s tactical demands, particularly in build up and defensive transitions. Liverpool’s analysts saw him as someone who could slot in immediately without lengthy adaptation, providing cover at full back or in a central role as required. The idea of a loan was also appealing, keeping long term budgets intact while solving a short term crisis.

Now, with Sunderland unwilling to move forward, Liverpool are left weighing up whether to push again or pivot. The message from Fabrizio Romano suggests the latter may be more realistic unless circumstances change rapidly.

Liverpool next steps before deadline

With just one day left in the window, Liverpool must decide how aggressive to be. Reopening talks for Geertruida would require a shift in Sunderland’s position, which currently looks unlikely. Slot and his staff will be hoping recruitment can still find a solution, but the margin for error has narrowed sharply.

As things stand, Romano’s update is the clearest signal yet that Liverpool’s pursuit of Lutsharel Geertruida is hanging by a thread, and time is not on their side.