The 19-cap aerial powerhouse was eager to join Liverpool mid-season — until a crucial stumbling block derailed the move.

 

 

Lutsharel Geertruida was reportedly open to a January move to Liverpool before the deal ultimately collapsed. The Dutch defender, who has 19 international caps, is currently on a season-long loan at Sunderland from RB Leipzig, and Liverpool explored the possibility of securing him on a late loan of their own before the window shut.

Talks are believed to have taken place behind the scenes as the Reds searched for defensive cover, particularly at right-back. However, the deadline passed without an agreement, leaving the 25-year-old at the Stadium of Light. He featured briefly off the bench in Sunderland’s 3-0 victory over Burnley.

Writing for The Athletic, Andy Jones revealed that Geertruida was keen on reuniting with Arne Slot, his former manager at Feyenoord, but the move proved too complicated to complete so late in the window. Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes examined several options, including Geertruida, whose versatility made him an attractive target due to his ability to play at right-back, centre-back, or in midfield.

The major issue was that Geertruida was already on loan. Liverpool would have had to compensate Sunderland to terminate the agreement, while the Championship club would also have needed time to bring in a replacement — something that wasn’t feasible under deadline-day pressure.

Liverpool entered the January window with three senior right-back options but ended it with just one available, following injuries to Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong, while Calvin Ramsay has barely featured under Slot. Geertruida, who ranked among the top 1% in the Bundesliga last season for aerial duels won per 90 minutes, would have been a natural solution to that problem.

With Sunderland unwilling to release him, Liverpool must now rely on makeshift options in the short term until Frimpong returns, and hope the Dutchman can remain fit for the rest of the campaign. While the timing ultimately killed the deal, Geertruida’s willingness to join Liverpool could be remembered if interest is revived in the future.