Liverpool in talks to complete blockbuster signing - Romano

Cameron Smith

• 1 Feb 2026 08:27 GMT
• 4 min read

News

Liverpool are reportedly in talks to complete a late deal for RB Leipzig defender Lutsharel Geertruida, who is currently on loan at Sunderland.

The Reds are in desperate need of defensive reinforcements before the end of Transfer Deadline Day, with Joe Gomez, Jeremie Frimpong, Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leoni all sidelined through injury.

Current ETV

Lutsharel Geertruida

D (CR)

Sunderland

Lutsharel Geertruida

D (CR)

Sunderland

€24.7M

ETV Range

€22.2M - €27.2M

View full profile

Dominik Szoboszlai was once again forced to deputise at right-back during Liverpool’s 4-1 win over Newcastle United on Saturday night, and the club are eager to sign a more natural option before the winter window slams shut on Monday.

Rumours had suggested that Liverpool were unlikely to strengthen their options at right-back this window, however a groin issue suffered by Frimpong against Qarabag in midweek has forced their hand and they are now eager to agree a deal for Geertruida.

That is according to football transfer news expert Fabrizio Romano, who posted on X: “Liverpool, in talks to sign Lutsharel Geertruida as new defender.

“Initial contacts took place with Sunderland as Arne Slot knows him well since Feyenoord times. Liverpool in club to club negotiations.”

Geertruida is currently on loan at Sunderland until the end of the 2025-26 season, however Liverpool are attempting to reach an agreement for his temporary spell at the Stadium of Light to be cut short in order for him to become a Reds player.

The Netherlands international has made 17 Premier League appearances for Regis Le Bris’ side so far this campaign, however he has only started 10 matches, while he has been an unused substitute in both of their last two English top flight fixtures.

Liverpool’s January transfer activity

If Geertruida arrives at Anfield before the end of Transfer Deadline Day, he would become the first senior signing made by Liverpool this window.

The Reds have been extremely inactive in regards to bolstering their first-team squad this month, although they have completed the academy signings of Mor Talla Ndiaye and Noah Adekoya.

Meanwhile, James Norris has been sold to Shelbourne for an undisclosed fee and both Lewis Koumas and Luke Chambers have departed on fresh loan deals.

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