Liverpool Races Against Clock To Land Geertruida Loan

Liverpool’s transfer window is heating up, and all eyes are on Dutch defender Lutsharel Geertruida as the Reds scramble to reinforce their battered backline before Monday’s 7pm deadline. As of February 1, 2026, Liverpool are locked in complex negotiations to sign Geertruida on loan—a move that could be pivotal to manager Arne Slot’s plans as the club faces an unprecedented defensive injury crisis.

Geertruida, 25, is no stranger to Slot. The pair enjoyed a fruitful spell together at Feyenoord, where Geertruida made 127 appearances, often donning the captain’s armband and contributing 16 goals and nine assists. Slot’s admiration for his former captain is clear, and the Dutch international’s versatility—capable of playing right-back, centre-back, or even as a holding midfielder—makes him an ideal candidate for the Reds’ depleted squad.

Currently, Geertruida is on a season-long loan at Sunderland from RB Leipzig. The Black Cats secured his services in September 2025 for a £2.1 million fee, with an option to buy at £21 million this summer. However, there’s a catch: Sunderland’s loan deal with RB Leipzig includes no break clause, meaning any move to Liverpool would require a three-way agreement between all clubs involved. Sunderland, managed by Regis le Bris, would need to find a replacement and sanction the early termination of Geertruida’s loan before he could return to Leipzig and then head to Anfield.

Negotiations are further complicated by the ticking clock. The Premier League transfer window slams shut on February 2, and while Liverpool are working tirelessly to get the deal over the line, sources close to the club admit it remains a “long shot” given the tight timeline and Sunderland’s need to reinforce their own squad.

Why the urgency? Liverpool’s defensive ranks have been decimated by injuries. Conor Bradley is out for the season with a knee injury, Jeremie Frimpong is sidelined for several weeks with a groin problem, and both Joe Gomez and Giovanni Leoni are also unavailable. Ibrahima Konate’s contract is set to expire this summer, further clouding the club’s long-term defensive outlook. Against this backdrop, Geertruida’s ability to slot in across the backline or step into midfield is a godsend.

Geertruida’s performances at Sunderland have not gone unnoticed. He’s made 17 Premier League appearances this season, seven as a starter, and has been a key figure in the newly-promoted side’s campaign. Sunderland’s willingness to let him go hinges on their ability to find a suitable replacement, but reports suggest the club will not stand in his way if a solution can be reached. The Dutchman is unlikely to feature in Sunderland’s upcoming clash against Burnley should talks progress swiftly.

For Liverpool fans, the prospect of Geertruida’s arrival brings a sense of déjà vu. The club had him on their radar last May, before ultimately signing Jeremie Frimpong and watching Conor Bradley emerge as a promising talent. Geertruida himself was on the verge of joining Marseille on deadline day last summer, only for Sunderland to swoop in at the eleventh hour. Now, with Liverpool’s backline stretched thin, the Dutchman is back in the spotlight.

Geertruida’s connection with Slot could be the decisive factor. Speaking in 2024 about his former manager, Geertruida said, “Arne managed to get the best out of me. He was never afraid to give me some harsh truths and was always correct in what he said about me. I believe he was a game changer for Feyenoord as soon as he arrived in Rotterdam. We always looked to play a dominant style of football, no matter the opponent. He is an intelligent coach who knows how he wants to go about things. Off-the-field he is, also, very open and is always prepared to listen to what you have to say and is easy to have a conversation with.”

Slot’s own comments after Liverpool’s 4-1 victory over Newcastle United on January 31, 2026, echoed the urgency of the situation. “We are trying to strengthen the squad, not trying to weaken it,” Slot told reporters. “Let’s see when the window ends.” The Dutch manager’s desire to bring in reinforcements is evident, and Geertruida’s familiarity with his tactical approach could help Liverpool navigate a tricky run-in as they chase a top-four finish.

It’s not just right-back where Liverpool are thin. With only three senior centre-backs available and Leoni still recovering, the club has been forced to get creative with its lineup. In recent matches, defensive midfielder Wataru Endo and even midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai have been pressed into service at the back. The lack of depth has left fans and pundits alike questioning whether the Reds can maintain their momentum through the business end of the season.

Liverpool’s pursuit of Geertruida is not without alternatives. The club reportedly explored a swap deal involving Denzel Dumfries of Inter Milan and midfielder Curtis Jones, but that option now appears unlikely. Geertruida’s proven Premier League experience and his rapport with Slot make him the standout candidate.

FIFA and Premier League rules allow Geertruida to play for two clubs in one season, since he did not make an appearance for Leipzig before joining Sunderland. This regulatory green light removes one potential obstacle from the path, but the primary challenge remains logistical: Sunderland must agree to terminate the loan, Leipzig must consent to the switch, and Liverpool must move fast to finalize terms.

Should the deal go through, it would be considered a low-risk, high-reward move for Liverpool. Geertruida’s loan would provide immediate cover, and if he impresses, the Reds could pursue a permanent transfer in the summer. For now, though, the focus is squarely on the next 48 hours.

As the transfer window draws to a close, Liverpool’s hopes of shoring up their defence rest on a delicate balancing act involving three clubs, a host of injuries, and a ticking clock. Geertruida’s arrival would offer much-needed stability and flexibility, but whether the deal can be completed in time remains to be seen. With negotiations ongoing and the stakes sky-high, Reds fans will be watching anxiously as the deadline approaches, hoping that Slot and his former captain can reunite at Anfield for the season’s decisive stretch.