Arne Slot moves for Lutsharel Geertruida to solve Liverpool’s defensive issues | OneFootball

Liverpool are in talks over a potential loan move for defender Lutsharel Geertruida as the transfer window enters its final stages.

Discussions are taking place around terminating the Netherlands international’s current loan spell at Sunderland and facilitating a switch to Anfield.

The 25-year-old is contracted to RB Leipzig but has spent this season at the Stadium of Light.

Liverpool’s interest is driven by a mounting defensive injury list that has left manager Arne Slot short of senior options across the back line.

Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong are currently sidelined, while Joe Gomez and Giovanni Leoni are also unavailable.

That has left Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate as the only fully fit senior centre-backs, prompting Liverpool to explore short-term solutions.

Geertruida’s versatility makes him an attractive option. He is capable of operating at right-back, centre-back or in a holding midfield role.

Slot knows the player well from their time together at Feyenoord. That familiarity is understood to be a significant factor in Liverpool’s interest as they look for a player who can integrate quickly.

Geertruida left Feyenoord in 2024 to join Leipzig before being loaned to Sunderland for the current campaign.

He has made 17 Premier League appearances for the Black Cats this season, seven of them as a starter, and has gained valuable experience of English football.

Any move would require the agreement of Sunderland, although the expectation is that they would not stand in the way.

Sunderland have already allowed another loanee, Marc Guiu, to return to Chelsea earlier in the season.

Liverpool are aware that the deal is complex, given Geertruida’s current loan status, and he is one of several defensive options being explored before the deadline.

Slot hinted after Saturday’s 4-1 victory over Newcastle United that Liverpool were still working behind the scenes to strengthen the squad.

The emphasis remains on securing cover rather than making long-term changes, with Liverpool keen to manage workloads during a demanding second half of the season.

Geertruida would offer immediate depth and tactical flexibility at a time when Liverpool’s defensive resources are stretched.