Liam Duckstein
Sunderland have decided against triggering the buy option in their loan deal for Lutsharel Geertruida, meaning the RB Leipzig defender will return to Germany when the season concludes.
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The Black Cats are approaching the end of what has been a remarkable season, most recently playing out a goalless draw with Manchester United at the Stadium of Light. Entering the campaign facing pre-season predictions of a relegation battle, Sunderland have defied expectations during the 2025-26 season — their first back in the top flight of English football in eight years. Geertruida has been one of the standout performers throughout, attracting interest from elsewhere, with Premier League champions Liverpool among the reported admirers of the Dutchman. The club still has a pair of fixtures remaining, travelling to the Hill Dickinson Stadium to face Everton on May 17 before finishing at home against Chelsea on May 24.
Sunderland’s Decision on Geertruida
Transfer specialist Florian Plettenberg reports that Sunderland have made their call on Geertruida‘s future, choosing not to exercise the permanent purchase option — valued at £20m — on the 25-year-old‘s season-long loan from RB Leipzig.
With the option left untriggered, Geertruida will depart the North East at the end of the campaign and head back to the Bundesliga club. Despite holding a valid contract at RB Leipzig through the summer of 2029, the right-back is widely expected to move on during the off-season. Clubs across Europe’s top-five leagues have registered interest, and the German side have already received initial enquiries, with formal bids for the 20-time international anticipated once the summer window opens.
World Cup Could Raise Geertruida’s Market Value Further
After an impressive debut Premier League campaign, Geertruida now has a further opportunity to increase his profile at the 2026 World Cup, starting in under a month. The 25-year-old is expected to feature in Ronald Koeman‘s squad for the North American tournament, where the Netherlands are drawn in Group F alongside Japan, Sweden, and Tunisia.
A strong showing with Oranje could significantly sharpen interest from top clubs. A move to a side like Liverpool ahead of next season would represent a natural next step for a player who has used this loan spell to firmly establish himself at the highest level. Follow TipsGG for the latest on Geertruida‘s transfer situation as the summer window approaches.