Liverpool given Lutsharel Geertruida green light with deal on the brink

Much has been made of Liverpool’s search for defensive reinforcements, but they may finally have secured some much-needed cover.

With less than 48 hours remaining in the winter window, the Reds are yet to actually make any additions to their first-team squad, but things are now moving quickly for one of their targets.

News broke on Sunday morning that Liverpool are in talks to reunite Arne Slot with one of his former defenders by bringing Lutsharel Geertruida to the club.

Geertruida played under Slot at Feyenoord and is currently on loan from RB Leipzig at Premier League club Sunderland.

Any deal will be complex, but a positive update has suggested Richard Hughes is close to getting this one over the line.

RB Leipzig give green light for Geertruida deal

As Geertruida is still on loan with Sunderland, any agreement Liverpool make with Leipzig will also require the Black Cats’ approval.

David Ornstein revealed on Sunday that Sunderland will need to have a replacement lined up and receive compensation in order to let the Dutchman leave, but that this is in the works.

The reliable transfer guru gave the deal a ~75% chance of being done before the deadline, and Florian Plettenberg has now weighed in too.

In a post on X, Plettenberg revealed that not only have RB Leipzig given the deal a green light, but that Liverpool have already reached a full agreement with the player.

Geertruida is capable of playing in several positions, and is already familiar with Slot’s methods, making him an ideal January addition for the Premier League champions.

It is believed Sunderland are currently covering all of Geertuida’s salary and that their deal includes a €23 million buy option, but it is currently unclear if Liverpool will do a deal on the exact same terms.

Any agreement will have to be reached quickly, with the transfer deadline fast approaching, but it feels like Liverpool may finally have found the man to bolster their defence.

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