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

Sunderland have opened talks to sign Lutsharel Geertruida after confirming their retained and released list at the end of the 2025-26 campaign.

The Netherlands defender spent last season on loan from RB Leipzig. Sunderland hold an option to make the move permanent and have begun negotiations, though any agreement would also require the player's approval.

The 25-year-old arrived from Feyenoord with a strong pedigree, having won the Eredivisie title and established himself with the Netherlands. Liverpool were among the clubs to show interest in January 2025 before his switch to RB Leipzig, underlining the calibre Sunderland attracted last summer.

His year on Wearside was mixed, with spells 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 qualification, form that earned another call-up to the Netherlands squad.

Dan Neil, Dennis Cirkin, Bertrand Traoré and Niall Huggins are leaving. Neil, an academy graduate with more than 200 appearances, helped lift the club from League One and later captained their return to the Premier League.

Cirkin departs after five years and over 120 games, having risen with the team despite injuries and competition for places. Traoré leaves after one season, while Huggins moves on after an injury-hit spell that included an exceptional 2023-24 strike against Watford, later named Sunderland's Goal of the Season.

At under-21 level, nine players will depart, with second-year scholars Ivan Struk and George Bell also leaving. Eight youngsters have been offered professional contracts. All other first-team players are retained as Sunderland prepare for another Premier League campaign and a return to Europe under Le Bris.

Source: Sunderland Echo