Lutsharel Geertruida completes Sunderland medical as final fee details emerge for transfer
Sunderland have agreed terms with RB Leipzig to sign Dutch defender Lutsharel Geertruida on loan
Sunderland have made their best start since 2001 after winning their first two Premier League home games.
Despite Sunderland securing a 2-1 win against Brentford, Regis Le Bris is still looking for more additions to his squad, having already spent over £100m.
Despite already signing Omar Alderete and Nordi Mukiele, the injury to Dan Ballard has still left Sunderland relatively weak at the back.
The addition of the highly-rated Geertruida proves to be not just smart signing, but also a move that could significantly boost Sunderland’s chances of avoiding relegation.
Lutsharel Geertruida to sign on loan deal with option to buy
According to Fabrizio Romano on X, the Dutch defender will join on a €2.5m loan fee, with a €23m buy option clause ready to be activated.
As Romano reports, the medical has just been completed and Geertruida will become the Mackems 13th summer signing.
Geertruida came through the Feyenoord academy, making his first-team breakthrough in 2019/20, and featured prominently since then.
| Appearances (all comps) | Lutsharel Geertruida |
| 2018/19 | 5 |
| 2019/20 | 26 |
| 2020/21 | 37 |
| 2021/22 | 41 |
| 2022/23 | 41 |
| 2023/24 | 47 |
| 2024/25 | 39 |
Last summer, he left his boyhood club to join RB Leipzig for a £17m deal, but has fallen out of contention under manager Ole Werner.
Lutsharel Geertruida statistically outperformed by Jhon Lucumi
Sunderland are also heavily linked with Jhon Lucumi, but it is unsure if that move will be completed following the signing of Geertruida.
Last season, Lucumi outperformed Geertruida in several key metrics, as the Colombia international enjoyed a stellar season with Italian side Bologna
| 2024/25 stats (per game) | Jhon Lucumi | Lutsharel Geertruida |
| Ground duels won | 2.5 | 2.0 |
| Interceptions | 0.8 | 0.7 |
| Tackles | 1.7 | 1.5 |
| Dribbled past | 0.4 | 0.7 |
| Clearances | 2.6 | 2.4 |
Whilst the Geertruida deal represents a smart bit of business, fans will still be wondering if Jhon Lucumi would be a better fit for the Sunderland squad.
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