“19-cap aerial ace wanted January Liverpool switch but hit a late ‘stumbling block’”

Dutch defender Lutsharel Geertruida was reportedly interested in a move to Liverpool during the January transfer window, but the deal failed to materialize before the deadline.

The 25-year-old Netherlands international, currently on a season-long loan at Sunderland from RB Leipzig, had been on Liverpool’s radar for a late-window loan, with discussions reportedly happening behind the scenes. However, when the Monday night deadline passed, Geertruida remained at the Stadium of Light, coming off the bench in Sunderland’s 3-0 win over Burnley.

According to The Athletic, Geertruida was keen to reunite with his former Feyenoord coach Arne Slot at Anfield. His versatility — capable of playing as a right-back, centre-back, or midfielder — made him an attractive short-term option for Liverpool.

Yet the move was complicated. Sunderland would have required compensation to end Geertruida’s loan early, and they also needed time to find a replacement. Combined with the late stage of the transfer window, these factors made a deal unfeasible.

Liverpool entered January with three senior right-backs but ended with only one due to injuries to Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong, with Calvin Ramsay yet to make an impact. Geertruida, who ranked in the top 1% for aerial duels won per 90 minutes in the Bundesliga last season, would have offered a natural solution to cover the right-back position and provide additional versatility elsewhere.

With Sunderland unwilling to cut short the loan, Liverpool must rely on midfielders to fill the gap until Frimpong returns, while hoping for a fit Dutch squad for the remainder of the campaign.

Though the deal didn’t happen, Geertruida’s interest in joining Liverpool could keep him on Anfield’s radar for future transfer windows.