- Sunderland to open talks with Geertruida and Traore
- The club are deciding whether extend the duo’s stay beyond the summer
- Traore is out of contract whilst Geertruida’s loan spell ends
Sunderland are in discussions with both Bertrand Traore and Lutsharel Geertruida about staying on Wearside beyond this summer.
Bertrand Traore and Lutsharel Geertruida are both free to leave the Stadium of Light this summer.
With the formers contract about to end and Geertruida’s loan spell from RB Leipzig almost over. But Sunderland are in talks to see what they want to do with the pair.
Traore arrived at Sunderland last summer, amongst a plethora of new signings and began the season well.
However, the Burkina Faso international has developed a reputations of not sticking around too long at one club.
With the Wearsiders the former Chelsea players fifth club in three years.
Since a solid start, Traore hasn’t had much game time and it seems strange that the club have opened talks about extending his stay.
A knee injury suffered on his return from the African Cup of Nations in January has meant that Regis Le Bris has had to look at different options.
But with the club having an option to extend his stay for another 12-months, it could work out to be a good deal if he can prove his fitness issues are over.
Geertuida has been an asset to Sunderland
Geertruida meanwhile has become a solid, invaluable member of the backline this season.
The Dutchman’s ability to play both centre half and fullback highlights his importance in the side, and with a permanent deal worth around £20million open, it seems a no brainer for the club.
With Liverpool taking a look at the Dutchman in January, it shows that the former Feyenoord man is in demand.
It seems likely that clubs will come sniffing around his again this summer, so for Sunderland to get the deal done early could be a stroke of genius.
The price tag for a 25-year-old Dutch international seems very reasonable in this day and age, especially given his versatility.
Him, alongside Omar Alderete, Nordi Makiele and Dan Ballard have build a solid foundation, which the club will want to build on this summer.
The story of Traore and Geertruida
30-year-old Traore has only been included in two match day squads since the turn of the year, with the knee injury suffered on international duty recurring after a return in March.
On the other side of that, Geertruida has been a virtual ever present this season. Playing in 25 games, he has been a dependable member of the side.
According to manager Regis Le Bris however, talks regarding Traore and Geertruida’ s future is left in the hands of Florian Ghisolfi, the Sunderland sporting director, although he reiterated that he too has a say in the matter.
He told The Northern Echo: “The conversation is always open between Flo (Ghisolfi), the player , and the agent, and I’m in the loop as well because I make the choice on who plays every weekend.”
The fans thoughts on the matter
Sunderland fans are conflicted in their opinions regarding keeping either of the players.
But after Sunderland held off strong interest from Liverpool in January to keep the versatile Dutch defender, it could be a smart decision to tie him down to a permanent contract.
It is likely that the former Feyenoord man will have similar interest in him this summer, especially if he makes Ronald Koeman’s Dutch squad for the World Cup.
Even if the club sign him with the intention of making an immediate profit, it still seems sense from a business point of view.
Regarding Traore however, the census is that it would be a mistake by the club to keep ahold of the former Ajax man.
With no timeframe on a return to action, it seems a bit of a gamble should the club extend his rumoured £65,000 a week contract.
If the club were to sign the winger to a longer contract it would show their summer plans lie away from the wide areas.
With Wilson Isidor seemingly on his way out of the club, Le Bris and Ghisolfi may think it would be too much to lose both attackers in one window.
Trust the Managers Decision
Bertrand Traore has shown his talents, and if he can finally get over the knee injury that has ruined the seconds half of his season, it may be a savvy decision to keep him on.
If Le Bris believes he can get over his problems then the fans should trust him.
The situation with Geertruida is perhaps more complicated, though. It seems to make sense to hold onto him, after all his age, versatility and price tag all make it an enticing option.
The manager has spoken briefly on the matter in the past but has never given too much away.
With Dan Ballard now suspended for the remainder of the season, the Dutchman will of course be used, likely at right-back.
This will allow Mukiele to play his favoured central position and keeping Trey Hume in a more advanced position.
However, if the decision is made to play Hume at right-back, that could be the biggest indication that the club will look at other options that to sign the former Feyenoord captain.
