Eight Sunderland players set to leave, Lutsharel Geertruida ‘to return’ to Leipzig | OneFootball

Sunderland face a pivotal summer, with eight players approaching the end of their current terms this summer and fresh uncertainty around loanee Lutsharel Geertruida.

Sky Sports Germany reports that internal clarity has been reached and Geertruida will not remain at Sunderland beyond this season, with the €23m option not to be activated. It adds he will first return to RB Leipzig, although he is unlikely to continue there either, with a permanent move being explored and interest from Europe’s top five leagues being assessed.

The Netherlands international has been a steady presence during a season-long loan at the Stadium of Light after arriving from Leipzig last summer.

As things stand, eight players reach the end of their terms in summer 2026. Alongside Geertruida, the group comprises Simon Moore, Bertrand Traore, Dennis Cirkin, Harrison Jones, Niall Huggins, Zak Johnson and Dan Neil, with Huggins, Johnson and Neil currently out on loan.

The Black Cats’ Premier League return is nearing its conclusion, and choices over renewals or exits are to be decided in the coming weeks.

Source: Sunderland Echo