Premier League champions Liverpool are reportedly in talks to sign Sunderland defender Lutsharel Geertruida as they scramble to address an injury crisis at right-back.
The Reds have been forced into the market after Jeremie Frimpong suffered a severe hamstring tear during Wednesday’s UEFA Champions League victory over Qarabag. Arne Slot is already without Conor Bradley and teenage prospect Giovanni Leoni, both of whom are sidelined for the remainder of the season.
Geertruida, 25, joined Sunderland on loan from RB Leipzig last summer and has been a standout performer for the Black Cats, making 17 Premier League appearances as part of their impressive campaign.
According to multiple reports, including those from Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool are actively working on a deal involving all three clubs. Talks are understood to be ongoing between Liverpool, RB Leipzig and Sunderland, with the Wearside club seeking compensation for losing a key player so close to Monday’s transfer deadline.
Liverpool are also believed to have reached a personal agreement with the Netherlands international, who has earned 18 caps for his country.
Slot knows Geertruida well from their time together at Feyenoord, where they won the Eredivisie title, the KNVB Cup and the Johan Cruyff Shield. The versatile defender made 127 appearances under Slot and was named club captain in the manager’s final season in Rotterdam.
With time running out in the transfer window, Liverpool are pushing to conclude a deal that would provide immediate cover at right-back as they look to sustain their push on multiple fronts.
