Why Sunderland did not sign Lutsharel Geertruida and where the budget now goes | OneFootball

Sunderland have signed Thomas Meunier on a two-year deal, effectively closing the door on Lutsharel Geertruida returning this season. After the 5-1 win at York City, Régis Le Bris indicated the Belgian’s arrival alters the right-back picture.

According to Sunderland Echo, club figures and Le Bris had not completely ruled out a late twist while Geertruida’s future remains unresolved. If rival options disappoint or the price falls, a comeback could arise, but it is currently viewed as highly unlikely.

Geertruida logged minutes without a sustained run as Trai Hume and the outstanding Nordi Mukiele kept starting. After the FA Cup loss at Port Vale and Liverpool’s January attempt to assume his loan, he starred at St James’ Park and, following Dan Ballard’s red at Wolves, helped clinch Europa League qualification.

Sunderland did not trigger the option to buy and their pursuit had effectively ended. With Mukiele first choice and Hume strong, tying two top wages to one role makes little sense. A near £20 million fee would squeeze SCR headroom and carry lower resale upside than a younger winger or midfielder.

The signing preserves right-side depth and protects funds for the three or four starters Le Bris wants. Geertruida was not an alternative to Jhon Lucumí last summer, more an opportunistic late addition. Sunderland are likely to target a left-sided centre-back, with Tarik Muharemović choosing Leeds after a higher fee and a clearer path following Pascal Struijk’s sale, while Omar Alderete stays key and left back will also need attention.

Source: Sunderland Echo