Sunderland open talks over Lutsharel Geertruida as Bertrand Traoré among exits on retained list | OneFootball

Sunderland have opened talks to keep Lutsharel Geertruida after issuing their retained and released list following the 2025-26 campaign.

Sunderland Echo reports that discussions over a permanent deal remain ongoing, Sunderland hold an option to buy and any agreement needs the player's approval.

The 25-year-old arrived on loan from RB Leipzig after winning the Eredivisie with Feyenoord and becoming a Netherlands international.

His year on Wearside was mixed, in and out of Régis Le Bris' side, but his versatility across the back line proved useful.

He finished strongly as Sunderland took seventh and a Europa League spot, then earned another Netherlands call-up. He is not listed among those leaving as talks continue.

Dan Neil, Dennis Cirkin, Bertrand Traoré and Niall Huggins will depart. Neil goes after more than 200 appearances, having helped win promotion from League One and later captained the club back to the Premier League.

Cirkin exits after five years and over 120 games, his progress affected by injuries and competition.

Traoré departs after one season, while Huggins, signed from Leeds United in 2021, battled injuries but produced an exceptional strike against Watford in 2023-24 that won Sunderland's Goal of the Season.

The club thanked all departing players. Eight academy players have been offered professional contracts, and all other first-team players are retained as Le Bris prepares for Europe.

Source: Sunderland Echo