Sunderland open talks with Lutsharel Geertruida after confirming retained and released list | OneFootball

Sunderland have opened talks with Lutsharel Geertruida after confirming their retained and released list. Dan Neil, Dennis Cirkin, Bertrand Traoré and Niall Huggins will leave, while the club hold an option to make Geertruida’s loan from RB Leipzig permanent, subject to the player’s approval.

Sunderland Echo understands that three players on the retained list are nonetheless expected to move on this summer. The club are seeking to protect value, so small fees or sell-on clauses could be attached and departures may not be immediate.

Geertruida spent last season on loan at the Stadium of Light. The 25-year-old impressed at Feyenoord, winning the Eredivisie title, and is a Netherlands international whose versatility across the back line appealed to Sunderland.

His campaign on Wearside was mixed, with spells in and out of Régis Le Bris’ side, but he finished strongly as Sunderland claimed seventh and Europa League qualification. Talks over his future continue, and he is not among those leaving at this stage.

Neil and Cirkin depart after major contributions, Traoré leaves after one season and Huggins moves on after an injury-hit spell capped by his 2023-24 Goal of the Season against Watford. At academy level, nine under-21s and scholars Ivan Struk and George Bell will leave. Professional terms have been offered to eight youngsters, with all other senior players retained.

Source: Sunderland Echo