Sunderland ‘linked with’ £60.3m triple swoop as Liverpool stance on Lutsharel Geertruida emerges | OneFootball

Sunderland are tracking Kerim Alajbegović and Mariano Troilo, and a shift in Liverpool’s position on Lutsharel Geertruida could influence plans. Former winger Jack Diamond is also attracting interest after a standout season.

Geertruida joined on loan from RB Leipzig in September 2025 and became important under Régis Le Bris. He played 30 times and logged 1,865 minutes. Liverpool assessed right-backs in January when Conor Bradley was injured and Jeremie Frimpong’s fitness raised doubts, and personal terms with Geertruida were claimed under Arne Slot.

Slot’s exit and Andoni Iraola’s arrival have altered the landscape. Voetbal International reports that Geertruida currently has no contact with Liverpool, which could help Sunderland if they pursue a permanent deal. Feyenoord is viewed as less likely after Robin van Persie’s departure, while the defender is focused on the World Cup.

Sunderland are among the clubs watching 18-year-old Alajbegović after a breakout season at Red Bull Salzburg. He made 44 appearances, scored 13 and added four assists, and impressed for Bosnia during their World Cup push. Bayer Leverkusen have re-signed him, though his longer-term future is unclear.

Roma are said to be making the strongest move, with contact over a permanent transfer and a bid of around €30million, roughly £25.9million, discussed. Alajbegović is open to Italy and Leverkusen have not yet responded. Sunderland’s interest has not been ruled out, though any deal would be ambitious.

Sunderland also face competition for Parma centre-back Troilo, with Fulham understood to be preparing an offer worth €20million, about £17.2million, and Parma not under pressure to sell. The Argentine made 23 appearances and scored the winner against AC Milan at San Siro.

Sunderland were linked in May and are said to have contacted his entourage. Parma bought Troilo for around €7million, close to £6million, in 2025 and a sale now would represent a profit. The club hope further English interest could push the price up.

Elsewhere, Portsmouth and Lincoln City are monitoring Diamond, 26, after an impressive spell with Stockport County. He produced 15 goal involvements in 2025-26. The former Sunderland academy winger left permanently and is back on the radar of Championship and League One sides.

Source: Sunderland Echo