Liverpool are on track to complete a notable transfer deal in the 2026 winter transfer window, as they have reached a full agreement on personal terms with defender Lutsharel Geertruida. The 25-year-old Dutch player, currently on loan at Sunderland from RB Leipzig, is expected to join Anfield to reunite with manager Arne Slot – who previously coached him at Feyenoord.
Geertruida, a versatile defender who can play as a center-back, right-back, or midfielder, has attracted Liverpool’s attention due to his flexibility and high-level experience. He joined Sunderland on a season-long loan from the summer of 2025, but now, the opportunity to move to Liverpool – the reigning Premier League champions – has led Sunderland to no longer block the deal. Initially, Sunderland was seen as a “roadblock” because there was no early termination clause in the loan contract, but they have agreed not to prevent Geertruida from leaving due to the scale of the opportunity at Anfield. However, Sunderland requires compensation from Liverpool and seeks a replacement player before officially approving.
According to journalist Florian Plettenberg, Liverpool and Geertruida have reached a “full agreement,” and RB Leipzig – Geertruida’s parent club with a contract until 2029 – is also ready to give the green light for the deal. Plettenberg shared on X: “BREAKING | Understand that Lutsharel #Geertruida and Liverpool have already reached a full agreement. RB Leipzig (contract until 2029) are set to give the green light. As revealed exclusively, the search for a new right-back at #LFC have been ongoing for weeks – now Geertruida is set to be the chosen one. Liverpool and Sunderland are in direct contact…”
Journalist Keith Downie also confirmed that Sunderland will not stand in the way: “Lutsharel Geertruida is in talks over a move to Liverpool. The Dutch defender is on a season-long loan at Sunderland (from RB Leipzig) but Sunderland they won’t stand in his way due to scale of the opportunity. #SAFC also want to bring in a replacement before they sanction a move for the 25-year-old. Geertruida played under Arne Slot at Feyenoord. There is no break clause in the contract so nothing happens without Sunderland’s blessing.” The Times adds that Sunderland will seek compensation from Liverpool.
Liverpool’s confidence in this deal is growing, with direct contacts ongoing between the two clubs. Graeme Bailey stated: “Liverpool sound more confident this lunch time than they did this morning. They are working hard on the Sunderland end. Leipzig have given their green light to it, but the big bit now is for Sunderland and Liverpool. In theory, Sunderland are open to it.”
With the roadblock from Sunderland removed, this deal is expected to be completed before the transfer deadline, providing Liverpool with a quality addition to their defense. Geertruida is not only familiar with Slot’s style but can also fill the gap at right-back, where Liverpool is seeking reinforcement. This is a strategic move by The Reds in their effort to defend the Premier League title and compete in European competitions.