Liverpool open talks with Sunderland for Lutsharel Geertruida following injury pile-up

Last Updated on 1 February 2026

The Reds put four past Newcastle United to seal a comeback win, which was their first in the Premier League in 2026. However, despite a spirited performance, injuries are becoming a major concern for Arne Slot’s side.

Against Newcastle, Slot named Dominik Szoboszlai, one of Liverpool’s stand-out performers of the 2025/26 campaign, at rightback. That goes to show the depth of the issues that the champions have in that position.

But reports early on Sunday morning have confirmed that Liverpool are looking to bring in reinforcements with Sunderland’s Lutsharel Geertruida being eyed as an option.

Liverpool open club-to-club talks with Sunderland over Dutch fullback Lutsharel Geertruida

Fabrizio Romano dropped an exclusive on Sunday morning that Liverpool are interested in signing Lutsharel Geertruida from Sunderland.

This comes following a number of injury concerns for Slot in defence. Liverpool’s head coach confirmed that the Reds were looking at reinforcements to bring in, but were fighting against time.

The Dutch connection seems to come in clutch as Geertruida has experience playing for Slot during his time at Feyenoord. Signed by Sunderland on loan from RB Leipzig in the summer, Geertruida has made 17 Premier League appearances for the Black Cats.

Why signing Geertruida makes a lot of sense for Liverpool and Arne Slot

Lutsharel Geertruida at 25 years of age, makes significant sense for following Liverpool’s injury concerns.

By trade, Geertruida can play anywhere across the backline, having spent considerable time playing as a centreback, as well as a fullback. He’s also comfortable in the defensive midfield position and given Liverpool’s injuy woes, it would be a shrewd signing.

Geertruida also has played a lot of minutes alongside Virgil van Dijk, Ryan Gravenberch and as a defensive fullback to Jeremie Frimpong for the Dutch national side. He also shares a close connection with Slot handing him the captaincy at Feyenoord.

Whether Sunderland cancel the loan and RB Leipzig sanction a sale, remains to be seen. But it’s clear that the Reds are concerned with their defensive depth.