- Sunderland seem unlikely to sign Dutch international on a permenant deal
- Lutsharel Geertruida has been on loan from RB Leipzig this season
- The Dutchman has featured in 25 games so far, and performed well across the back line
According to reports, Sunderland will not making the loan signing of Lutsharel Geertruida a permanent one.
Sunderland pulled off quite a move last summer when they completed the loan signing of former Feyenoord man, Lutsharel Geertruida. The versatile defender has been an ever-present for the Black Cats this season.
The Dutch international has features heavily for Regis Le Bris’ men this year, and has been solid at both centre half and full back. But the club have decided against making his transfer permanent.
According to reports Geertruida will return to RB Leipzig at the end of the season. However, he claims that he won’t remain at the German club for long.
Clubs have shown interest in the 25-year-old, including Liverpool, who tried to sign him in January, but the deal was too complicated to complete.
Sunderland look beyond the Dutchman
One name the club have been linked to is that of Enzo Boyomo.
The Cameroonian doesn’t have the versatility that their current number six has, but the club will feel they have enough cover at fullback.
Is it a missed opportunity on the Dutch international?
It’s rare in this day and age that a Dutch international defender capable of playing anywhere along the backline is available for such a price. Hinze has claimed the club had the option to trigger the £20m option.
It seems certain only a few month’s back that the club would look to make the transfer permanent. However, whether Le Bris has his eyes on other targets, or just doesn’t fancy Geertruida remains to be seen.
The former Feyenoord captain won’t be short of suitors this summer. Liverpool may still have an interest in him, and Hinze claims that a number of clubs in Europe’s top leagues will be interested.
The Sunderland boss has said he will only look to sign three or four players this summer.
Does Le Bris see the right back position as somewhere he needs to further improve? Or is he happy with Trai Hume and Nordi Mukiele filling in when needed?
Do Sunderland stick or twist with their right back options
Mukiele is more comfortable at centre back, and Hume being played in a more advanced position of late, so what is the plan for right back? Only a few players are due to be signed this summer, so will a right back be one.
With three games left this season, Le Bris may look beyond Geertruida and try and work out how to fill that position with other options. However, with Dan Ballard suspended, his hand may be forced.
