Régis Le Bris hails Lutsharel Geertruida recall and responds to summer exit claim | OneFootball

Régis Le Bris praised Lutsharel Geertruida after the defender returned to Sunderland’s starting XI on Saturday, and addressed speculation over the loanee’s future.

According to Sky Sports Germany, a decision has been made that Geertruida will not stay beyond the summer, with Sunderland set not to trigger the €23m option to buy and the player due to return to Leipzig. The report also suggested a permanent move elsewhere could follow.

Geertruida was recalled because Dan Ballard was suspended, his first start since March’s Tyne-Wear derby win at Newcastle United. He went close to a winner in the second half when a strike from the edge of the area clipped the post.

Le Bris said it felt the right moment to reintroduce the 25-year-old and that the defender justified the call with a strong display.

On the exit claims, Le Bris said he was not aware of any decision. He noted Geertruida remains a Sunderland player, praised his performance, and said there are two games left before his loan runs to the end of June. He added that discussion about next season would follow between the player, Sunderland and, in this context, another club.

Source: Sunderland Echo