Liverpool have been in talks over signing Lutsharel Geertruida, who is currently on loan at Sunderland from RB Leipzig
Lutsharel Geertruida, who is on loan at Sunderland from RB Leipzig(Image: Andrew Kearns – CameraSport via Getty Images)
Liverpool’s hopes of taking over Lutsharel Geertruida’s loan deal at Sunderland for the remainder of the season are fading ahead of Monday’s transfer deadline. Geertruida, who played under Reds boss Arne Slot while at Feyenoord, has been spending the campaign with the Black Cats on loan from Bundesliga side RB Leipzig.
Slot hinted after Saturday’s 4-1 home Premier League win against Newcastle United that Liverpool were looking to strengthen their squad ahead of Monday evening’s transfer deadline.
And 25-year-old Geertruida, a right-back who can also play centre-back and in defensive midfield, emerged as one of several options Liverpool are considering ahead of the 7pm deadline on Monday evening.
OPINION
Ian DoyleREAD MORE: Dominik Szoboszlai clarifies Liverpool contract talks and gives right-back verdict – ‘in my head’
However, fears the deal would prove far from straightforward given agreement would have to be reached with both Sunderland and Leipzig have now been realised.
While it’s understood both the player and Liverpool are keen to proceed with the deal, Sunderland are at present in no position to allow Geertruida to be released given they have been unable to source a replacement for the versatile Dutchman.
The expectation on the North East is Geertruida will instead be preparing as normal for Monday’s home game against Burnley, which starts an hour after the deadline has passed.
Liverpool have had problems with availability at right-back with Conor Bradley out for the season after knee surgery, Jeremie Frimpong currently sidelined with a groin problem and Joe Gomez also suffering fitness issues.
Dominik Szoboszlai was forced to reprise an emergency role in the position at the weekend, while a long-term ACL injury to teenage centre-back Giovanni Leoni has further limited Slot’s rearguard alternatives.
FOLLOW OUR LIVERPOOL FC FACEBOOK PAGE! All the latest news and analysis from Anfield on the Liverpool Echo’s dedicated LFC Facebook page