Arne Slot targets reunion as Liverpool move for Lutsharel Geertruida to solve right‑back shortage | OneFootball

Liverpool have opened talks with Sunderland over a deal to sign defender Lutsharel Geertruida.

Arne Slot and his recruitment team have identified Geertruida as an option to ease the club's defensive injury issues.

Liverpool are short of a recognised option at right-back, with Conor Bradley sidelined for the remainder of the campaign and Jeremie Frimpong out with a hamstring issues. Dominik Szoboszlai deputised at full-back during Saturday's 4-1 win over Newcastle United.

Slot worked with Geertruida at former club Feyenoord andFabrizio Romano has revealed that talks have now started between Sunderland and the Premier League champions.

The Dutch defender only joinedSunderland in the summer from RB Leipzig on an initial loan deal with an option to buy. He had made 10 league starts for Regis Le Bris's side in the Premier League this season.

Geertruida's ability to cover multiple positions adds to his appeal forLiverpool as the Reds seek defensive cover.

Though predominantly a right-back, the 25-year-old has experience in central defence, at left-back, and in midfield. He is an international teammate ofLiverpool captain Virgil van Dijk, Cody Gakpo, Frimpong and Ryan Gravenberch with the Netherlands.

Geertruida produced the best football of his career under Slot in 2023-24. That season, he scored eight goals and provided five assists from full-back in the Eredivisie.