Everton have chance to sign Lutsharel Geertruida after decision made, his stats are unreal
Everton will have the chance to sign Lutsharel Geertruida from RB Leipzig this summer after Sunderland reportedly decided against signing him permanently.
The defender joined the Black Cats on loan with a £20million option to buy last season, but he has struggled for minutes of late.
The 25-year-old has sat on the bench for each of Sunderland’s last four games, despite having started the previous four Premier League games.
The Toffees will almost certainly be looking for defenders this summer, after it was confirmed that Jarrad Branthwaite is set for another period on the injury table.
Everton transfer chiefs will be looking at Geertruida carefully, with the Dutchman offering plenty of versatility.
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VISIT THE EVERTON TRANSFER HUBLutsharel Geertruida to return to RB Leipzig
Football Insider exclusively revealed this week that Everton’s interest in Ben White and John Stones is unlikely to come to fruition, due to the finances involved.
The Arsenal man still has two years remaining on his contract at the Emirates Stadium and would attract a sizable fee, while former Toffee Stones will expect substantial wages as a free agent.
| Lutsharel Geertruida | Stats – Premier League 2025-26 (per 90) |
| Chances created | 0.45 |
| Successful pass % | 85.1% |
| Duels won | 3.5 |
| Tackles | 2.16 |
| Recoveries | 3.82 |
| Clearances | 2.73 |
Geertruida could represent a cheaper option for David Moyes and Everton, with RB Leipzig keen to see the defender leave permanently.
The 25-year-old joined the German side from Feyenoord in 2024 but found himself largely out of the team in the second half of the season due to the January arrival of Ridle Baku.
The Netherlands international had attracted interest from the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool during his time at Feyenoord, and the right move could well unlock that ability once more.
Geertruida has been deployed at right-back, centre-back and as a defensive midfielder this season, and could simply need some consistency.
Philipp Hinze reported on Friday that Sunderland are set to send the defender back to RB Leipzig, after deciding against triggering the permanent option. Solutions are already being sought for an alternative move.
Everton in desperate need of defensive reinforcement
Branthwaite has already spent almost the entirety of the season out injured with various hamstring issues, and the immediate future does not promise a speedy return.
Michael Keane and James Tarkowski have been incredibly reliable alternatives for Moyes, but with both players now 33, an incoming decline cannot be ruled out.
Vitalii Mykolenko also lacks support, while Jake O’Brien has often been covered by James Garner when he is forced to move into the middle.
Geertruida’s flexibility would solve several issues at once, and he could well become a far greater option than imagined.
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