Sunderland ‘to negotiate’ lower fee after Lutsharel Geertruida buy option expiry | OneFootball

Sky Germany reports that Sunderland’s option to buy Lutsharel Geertruida, understood to be worth about £19.9 million, expired on Wednesday and is no longer valid.

The Dutch international spent the 2025/26 season on loan at the Stadium of Light from RB Leipzig. In their retained list this week, Sunderland said discussions with the defender remain ongoing.

The report added that several clubs across the Premier League, Serie A and La Liga are interested. Leipzig are aiming to sell him permanently this summer.

Following fresh talks, Sunderland are said to be back in the running and are trying to agree a lower fee, having allowed the option to lapse. No decision has been made. Geertruida was a late call-up for the upcoming World Cup and could use the tournament to boost his prospects.

Head coach Regis Le Bris said late in the campaign that he did not know whether the defender would be in his squad next season, stressing any call would follow the season. Geertruida made 28 Premier League appearances last term, including 17 starts.

Source: Sunderland Echo