Lutsharel Geertruida 'not to stay' at Sunderland this summer | OneFootball

According to Sky Sports Germany, Sunderland will not sign Lutsharel Geertruida permanently this summer and will not trigger the €23m option to buy. The 25-year-old is expected to return to RB Leipzig first, with suggestions he could move again amid early enquiries from clubs in Europe’s top five leagues.

The Black Cats signed the defender on loan from RB Leipzig last summer, with an option to buy believed to be around £20 million.

The Netherlands international has made 27 appearances in all competitions but has struggled to secure a regular place in Régis Le Bris’s starting XI.

Le Bris said on Thursday it was too early to decide on the player’s long-term future and stressed any uncertainty would not affect selection for the run-in, adding the defender remains fully committed.

Dan Ballard’s suspension opens a spot in defence for the final three games, although it is unclear whether Geertruida will be selected.

Source: Sunderland Echo