Star now free to join Liverpool after bombshell decision

Liverpool now have their chance to sign a long-term target after a massive decision was made.

Liverpool now have their opportunity to sign the right-back who got away from them in January. The Reds made a late drive to find one before the window closed, ultimately coming up short.

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Two Dutch options were on the agenda: Denzel Dumfries and Lutsharel Geertruida. The former is certainly up for grabs again with a €25m release clause in the summer.

But things weren’t as clear with Geertruida. The RB Leipzig man is currently on loan with Sunderland and the Black Cats have an option in the loan agreement to sign him permanently.

It essentially meant that Liverpool could not make a proper move for the player with Sunderland giving up that option. Sky Germany’s Philipp Hinze says they have now done that, however.

Geertruida will re-join RB Leipzig once the season is done, but Hinze makes it clear that he is unlikely to remain with the German side. Instead, there’s interest from across Europe’s top five leagues.

Liverpool have the opportunity to go again, then. Conor Bradley remains out long-term with his knee injury, opening the door for such a deal.

Lutsharel Geertruida: Situation Summary

Sunderland Performance and Stats

As of 8 May 2026, Lutsharel Geertruida is completing a season-long loan at Sunderland from RB Leipzig. The 25-year-old versatile defender has made 25 Premier League appearances this term, primarily operating at right-back and defensive midfield. He recently played 90 minutes in a 2–1 win against Newcastle on 22 March, though he has been on the bench for the last four fixtures, including a 1–1 draw with Wolves on 2 May. Geertruida maintains a solid defensive record, averaging 5.9 clearances and 1.8 tackles per game as Sunderland battle for a top-half finish.

Transfer Speculation

Geertruida’s future is a major talking point ahead of his return to Leipzig on 1 July. Liverpool reportedly reached a "full agreement" with the player in late April, with Arne Slot keen on a reunion with his former Feyenoord captain. RB Leipzig are expected to demand approximately €23–27 million for the defender, whose contract runs until 2029.

International Standing

A regular for the Netherlands, Geertruida earned his 20th cap during a 1–1 draw with Ecuador in March. He is considered a "certainty" for Ronald Koeman’s 2026 World Cup squad.