Sunderland have struck an agreement with RB Leipzig to sign Lutsharel Geertruida on an initial loan deal with an option to buy Softfootball reports.
Despite being fit, Geertruida hasn’t played a single minute for RB Leipzig this season in both the Bundesliga or DFB Pokal. Fellow Premier League side Nottingham Forest also expressed an interest in signing the Dutch defender, who is expected to leave Leipzig before today’s deadline.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano via his X handle, The 25-year-old Netherlands international has undergone medicals at Sunderland as they seem to have hijacked Olympique de Marseille’s move for the versatile defender. His post reads:
“Lutsharel Geertruida to Sunderland, here we go! Medical completed right now for the centre back joining from Leipzig.
€2.5m loan fee, €23m buy option clause and deal sealed with #SAFC.”
The agreement is structured as a loan deal with a €2.5 million fee paid upfront, while the Premier League club will also hold a €23 million buy option clause should they wish to make the transfer permanent next summer.
Geertruida, who can operate both as a centre-back and right-back, brings top-level European experience to Sunderland’s backline. The club view his arrival as a major coup and a statement of intent as they continue building a competitive squad.
The 25-year-old has made over 200 career appearances across club and country and was part of the Feyenoord side that won the Eredivisie title in the 2022-23 season. The Dutchman has earned a growing reputation for his defensive intelligence and composure on the ball, making him a valuable addition to Régis Le Bris’ squad
In an earlier post, Softfootball reported that Aston Villa are exploring a potential Deadline Day move for Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho.
