Why Lutsharel Geertruida ‘to leave’ Sunderland this summer | OneFootball

Sunderland hold an option to buy Lutsharel Geertruida from RB Leipzig this summer, but it is now considered highly unlikely to be activated at around £20 million.

According to Sky Sports in Germany, the defender would leave and return to Leipzig at season’s end, likely then moving on permanently. The head coach has maintained no final decision will be taken until after the campaign.

The loan has been a clear success. Geertruida has made 28 appearances across competitions, covered several roles and added experience, quality and professionalism as Sunderland hit their targets and pushed on. He impressed against Manchester United days after those reports, and was close to a winner.

Yet he is not an undisputed starter in his strongest positions, right back or right centre-back. Nordi Mukiele has excelled on the right, while Dan Ballard is central to plans after signing a long-term deal.

Squad priorities also point left. Omar Alderete and Reinildo have shone, but with Dennis Cirkin out of contract depth is thin, and Trai Hume offers another option on Geertruida’s flank after playing the most league minutes.

Turning 26 this summer with international ambitions, regular starts will matter to the player. Declining the clause would be risky, removing a Premier League-quality footballer with no guarantee of a like-for-like alternative. He is likely to feature in the final two games, and a late flourish could yet prompt reflection as Flo Ghisolfi’s strengthened recruitment team advances window plans.

Source: Sunderland Echo