Journalist: Premier League star was ‘keen’ to join Liverpool in Jauary | OneFootball

Journalist reveals the truth behind Luthsarel Geertruida’s failed Liverpool move

January transfer windows have a habit of throwing up half formed stories that linger long after the deadline has passed, and this one involving Liverpool, Luthsarel Geertruida and Sunderland is likely to do exactly that. On paper it looked neat, a trusted Arne Slot lieutenant, proven in the Eredivisie and hardened in the Bundesliga, stepping in to steady a suddenly fragile right flank at Anfield. In practice, football’s bureaucratic realities got in the way.

Geertruida spent deadline day as a Sunderland player, albeit one on loan from RB Leipzig, coming off the bench in the closing minutes of a 3-0 win over Burnley. Yet behind the scenes Liverpool were exploring whether they could bring him in on a late season long loan of their own, adding depth and flexibility to a squad that has been stretched by injuries.

What made the idea particularly appealing was the personal link. Geertruida thrived under Slot at Feyenoord, and a reunion under Liverpool’s title winning manager felt like more than idle speculation. As Andy Jones wrote for The Athletic, the interest was genuine and the player’s stance was clear.

He wrote: ‘Sporting director Richard Hughes explored a number of options ahead of the deadline, including trying to get Lutsharel Geertruida on loan for the rest of the season. The Dutchman was keen, having played under Slot at Feyenoord, and his versatility was viewed as an asset, as he can play right-back, centre-back or in midfield.

‘However, it proved too complex to pull off, because Geertruida was already on loan at Sunderland from RB Leipzig. Liverpool would have needed to pay compensation to convince Sunderland to terminate their loan arrangement, but the northeast club also needed to recruit a replacement and that was a stumbling block with the time pressures.’

Photo: IMAGO

Geertruida appeal for Liverpool squad balance

From a purely footballing perspective, it is easy to see why Liverpool were tempted. Slot ended the window with only one fit senior right back after injuries to Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong, while Calvin Ramsay has remained on the fringes. Geertruida’s ability to cover multiple positions would have eased that strain immediately.

There is also the data. Last season in the Bundesliga he ranked in the top 1 percent for percentage of aerial duels won per 90 minutes, a rare trait for a player comfortable on the flank. In a Liverpool side that often faces direct transitions and back post deliveries, that sort of profile has obvious value.

Sunderland stance in crucial moment

For Sunderland, however, the calculation was different. Losing a key defender mid season without a replacement lined up would have been reckless, even if compensation was on the table. Their promotion push depends on stability, and Geertruida has been part of that since arriving from Leipzig.

The timing was unforgiving. With hours left in the window, finding and registering a suitable alternative was close to impossible. The result was a hard no, even if it meant blocking a move the player was eager to make.

Future outlook for Liverpool interest

So Liverpool make do, plugging the gap with midfielders and hoping Frimpong’s return comes sooner rather than later. Yet this episode will not be forgotten. Anfield’s recruitment team now know Geertruida was keen, and in modern football that matters. Loans end, situations change, and a player who already understands Slot’s demands remains an attractive option.

For now, Liverpool, Luthsarel Geertruida and Sunderland go their separate ways, but do not be surprised if these lines cross again when the market opens and the clocks are no longer ticking so loudly.