Lutsharel Geertruida Completes Sunderland Move on Deadline Day

Sunderland have signed Dutch defender Lutsharel Geertruida from RB Leipzig in a late transfer. This adds experience and depth to their defense for the 2025-26 season.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Lutsharel Geertruida joined Sunderland on loan from RB Leipzig after both clubs agreed on deadline day. The Black Cats paid a €2.5 million loan fee. They have an option to make the transfer permanent for €23 million next summer, which includes a medical and an option to buy him for that amount as reported.

Geertruida completed his medical and took his first official photo as a Sunderland player. The defender, who can play right-back or center-back, is a Netherlands international with 17 caps. He joined RB Leipzig in 2024 from Feyenoord for €20 million, but made only 17 Bundesliga starts last season, finding limited opportunities in Germany according to sources.

WHY THIS SIGNING MATTERS

Sunderland finished last season in the playoff spots in the Championship managed to get promoted to the Premier League, where they have had an exceptional start with 6 points from three matches. Bringing in Geertruida gives much-needed defensive stability and versatility. He previously played over 200 matches for Feyenoord, bringing international experience to a young Sunderland team. Sunderland also signed Ajax striker Brian Brobbey as part of a major rebuild, showing their intent to push for a stay in the Premier League in their first season back.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR SUNDERLAND?

Geertruida will join his new teammates immediately and could play in Sunderland’s next league match against Crystal Palace. Both teams are close in the table and competing for the top European positions.