Lutsharel Geertruida ‘not to stay’ at Sunderland after loan | OneFootball

Lutsharel Geertruida is not set to join Sunderland permanently this summer, according to Sky Sports Germany. The buy option will not be activated and the defender will first return to RB Leipzig.

Sunderland took the Netherlands international on loan from the Bundesliga side last summer with an option to buy believed to be around £20 million. He has made 27 appearances in all competitions and has contributed, but has not nailed down a regular starting place under Régis Le Bris.

The report adds that a permanent solution is being sought for the 25-year-old, who is likely to move on again. It also states initial enquiries have been made and that he has a market in one of Europe’s top five leagues.

On Thursday, Le Bris said it was too early to make a call on Geertruida’s long-term future, and insisted any uncertainty would not influence selection for the final three fixtures.

There is a vacancy in the back four due to Dan Ballard’s suspension. Geertruida remains in contention for those games, though it is unclear if he will get the nod.

Source: Sunderland Echo