Liverpool is reportedly making a strong push for defender Lutsharel Geertruida. The versatile player, currently on loan at Sunderland from RB Leipzig, is a priority for manager Arne Slot, who captained Geertruida during their time at Feyenoord. This move comes as Liverpool seeks to address its defensive requirements, particularly at right-back and center-back, sources suggest.
No confirmed deal exists yet. All information remains firmly in the realm of transfer rumor, with the January 2026 window closing soon.
Reds’ Defensive Drive for Slot’s Former Captain
Liverpool’s interest in Geertruida, 25, isn’t a surprise. The Premier League champions, who just matched a record 20th title in Slot’s debut season, have struggled with defensive depth. They missed out on Marc Guéhi to Manchester City earlier, highlighting their need.
Geertruida offers flexibility, able to play both right-back and center-back. That’s a valuable trait for a club looking to reinforce its backline. Fabrizio Romano, speaking via ESPN, noted Liverpool’s struggles in those positions. The connection with Slot, who knows Geertruida’s leadership qualities from Feyenoord, likely plays a big part too.
The potential deal could be either taking over his current loan agreement with Sunderland or a permanent signing from RB Leipzig. Liverpool spent a lot on their squad last summer, £450m, so they’ve got some financial muscle.
The Transfer Clock Ticks: Deadline Looms
Things are moving fast as the transfer deadline approaches. On Saturday, January 31, 2026, Goal.com reported a final push for Geertruida. Later that day, ESPN mentioned Liverpool was considering a move. No specific updates were popping up on Sunderland or Liverpool’s transfer blogs, though. Those were active, just quiet on Geertruida specifically.
But by Sunday, February 1, 2026, at 07:35 UK time, Sky Sports Transfer Centre broke news. They reported Liverpool was in talks for Geertruida, though the deal was “complicated.” Sky Sports News’ Keith Downie and Lyall Thomas reiterated this. OneFootball also highlighted ongoing talks for defensive reinforcement.
The window is shutting. And clubs often leave these things late.
No Official Words, Just Rumors and Analyst Takes
Despite the flurry of activity, there haven’t been any official statements. No quotes from Liverpool, Sunderland, RB Leipzig, or even Geertruida himself. That’s common in these situations, though.
Fabrizio Romano (via ESPN) said Liverpool could take over Geertruida’s loan or sign him permanently. He also added the Reds are struggling at right-back and center-back.
And Sky Sports News’ Keith Downie and Lyall Thomas confirmed talks, but described the deal as complicated. Liverpool is also linked to other defenders like Jérémy Jacquet from Rennes, but that’s a separate story. Chelsea seems to be ahead for Jacquet anyway, with personal terms agreed. But for Geertruida, there aren’t other clubs specified in the race.
Sunderland, where Geertruida is on loan, is monitoring other deals for their own club, like Tyrique George. They’ll have a say in any loan takeover, you’d imagine.
So, Liverpool needs a defender. Slot wants his guy. The transfer window is closing. All eyes are on whether this “complicated” deal can get done before time runs out. They’ve only made one prior agreement for Ifeane Ndukwe for the 2025-26 season, so Slot needs more immediate help.
