Lutsharel Geertruida ‘to leave’ Sunderland after loan, buy option not activated | OneFootball

Lutsharel Geertruida will not join Sunderland permanently this summer, with the loan buy clause to go unused, according to Sky Sports Germany.

The Netherlands international arrived on loan from RB Leipzig last summer with an option to buy believed to be around £20 million. He has made 27 appearances in all competitions but has not been a regular starter under Régis Le Bris.

The report adds he will return to Leipzig after the season, and a permanent move elsewhere is viewed as likely. It also states initial enquiries have been made and that the 25-year-old has a market in one of Europe’s top five leagues.

On Thursday, Le Bris said it was too early to decide on Geertruida’s long-term future but stressed the defender remains in contention. He added that uncertainty would not affect his selection for the final three games.

Dan Ballard’s suspension leaves a vacancy in the back four, though it remains unclear whether Geertruida will start. Le Bris said the focus is on winning now and that marginal calls would not be swayed by uncertainty over a player’s future in this case.

Source: Sunderland Echo