‎Liverpool Push for Lutsharel Geertruida as Arne Slot Targets Late Defensive Signing

‎Liverpool are stepping up their pursuit of defensive cover as the transfer window approaches its final hours, with Lutsharel Geertruida emerging as a leading target. The Dutch international previously worked under Liverpool head coach Arne Slot at Feyenoord and is currently spending the season on loan at Sunderland from RB Leipzig. Discussions have reportedly been held regarding a possible move to Anfield.

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Liverpool are accelerating efforts to sign Lutsharel Geertruida before the transfer deadline as Arne Slot seeks defensive reinforcements amid injuries and limited options.

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‎Slot has openly expressed his intention to reinforce Liverpool’s back line before Monday’s deadline. The Reds were close to securing Marc Guehi late in the summer transfer window, but Crystal Palace ultimately withdrew from negotiations after failing to line up a replacement, later selling their captain to Manchester City in January.

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‎Injuries have further complicated Liverpool’s defensive situation, with Conor Bradley, Joe Gomez, and Giovanni Leoni all sidelined. The club also opted against allowing Andy Robertson to join Tottenham earlier this week, recognising the lack of depth in defence. Following Saturday’s emphatic 4-1 victory over Newcastle, Slot acknowledged the club’s stance, stating that Liverpool were looking to strengthen rather than weaken the squad, while admitting there were only 48 hours left in the window.

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‎Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has reported that Liverpool have initiated talks to sign Geertruida. The versatile defender, capable of playing at right-back, centre-back, and in midfield, is currently on a straightforward loan deal at Sunderland after joining RB Leipzig.

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‎Journalist Ben Jacobs has since added that Liverpool have been offered the chance to take over Geertruida’s loan for the remainder of the campaign, with the opportunity presenting itself only in recent days.

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‎Geertruida’s relationship with Slot dates back to their time at Feyenoord. Born in Rotterdam, he progressed through the club’s academy before making his senior debut in 2017. Under Slot’s guidance, he became a key figure, helping Feyenoord reach the 2021-22 Europa Conference League final and lift the Eredivisie title in the 2022-23 season.

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‎After seven seasons in Feyenoord’s first team, Geertruida completed a move to RB Leipzig in 2024, featuring 35 times across all competitions before being loaned out for the 2025-26 season.

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‎Leipzig suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Liverpool during the 2024-25 Champions League, and ahead of that encounter, Geertruida spoke highly of Slot. He credited the Liverpool boss with pushing him to improve, praising Slot’s honesty, intelligence, and ability to create a dominant style of football that delivered major trophies and European success at Feyenoord.

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‎Geertruida is scheduled to feature for Sunderland on Monday when they face Burnley, with kickoff set one hour after the 7pm transfer deadline. Whether he remains on Wearside or completes a late switch to Liverpool remains uncertain.