Lutsharel Geertruida ‘to return’ to Leipzig after Sunderland loan | OneFootball

Lutsharel Geertruida will not remain at Sunderland beyond this summer, according to Sky Sports Germany, with the club set to pass on their option to buy and the defender returning to RB Leipzig.

The Netherlands international joined on loan last summer from Leipzig, with an option to buy worth around £20 million, reported at €23m. He has made 27 appearances in all competitions, contributing well but struggling to secure a regular start under Régis Le Bris.

The report adds that he will first go back to Leipzig, but could move on again, with a permanent solution being sought. Initial enquiries are said to have been made and there is interest 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 and that any uncertainty would not influence his selections for the final three games.

Dan Ballard’s suspension leaves a vacancy in the back four for those fixtures, though it remains unclear whether Geertruida will get the nod.

Source: Sunderland Echo