Journalist reveals the reality behind Luthsarel Geertruida’s failed Liverpool transfer
January switch home windows have a behavior of throwing up half shaped tales that linger lengthy after the deadline has handed, and this one involving Liverpool, Luthsarel Geertruida and Sunderland is prone to do precisely that. On paper it regarded neat, a trusted Arne Slot lieutenant, confirmed within the Eredivisie and hardened within the Bundesliga, stepping in to regular a instantly fragile proper flank at Anfield. In observe, soccer’s bureaucratic realities bought in the way in which.
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Geertruida spent deadline day as a Sunderland participant, albeit one on mortgage from RB Leipzig, coming off the bench within the closing minutes of a 3-0 win over Burnley. But behind the scenes Liverpool have been exploring whether or not they might deliver him in on a late season lengthy mortgage of their very own, including depth and suppleness to a squad that has been stretched by accidents.
What made the thought notably interesting was the private hyperlink. Geertruida thrived beneath Slot at Feyenoord, and a reunion beneath Liverpool’s title profitable supervisor felt like greater than idle hypothesis. As Andy Jones wrote for , the curiosity was real and the participant’s stance was clear.
He wrote: ‘Sporting director Richard Hughes explored a variety of choices forward of the deadline, together with making an attempt to get Lutsharel Geertruida on mortgage for the remainder of the season. The Dutchman was eager, having performed beneath Slot at Feyenoord, and his versatility was seen as an asset, as he can play right-back, centre-back or in midfield.
‘Nonetheless, it proved too advanced to drag off, as a result of Geertruida was already on mortgage at Sunderland from RB Leipzig. Liverpool would have wanted to pay compensation to persuade Sunderland to terminate their mortgage association, however the northeast membership additionally wanted to recruit a alternative and that was a stumbling block with the time pressures.’
Photograph: IMAGO
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Geertruida enchantment for Liverpool squad stability
From a purely footballing perspective, it’s simple to see why Liverpool have been tempted. Slot ended the window with just one match senior proper again after accidents to Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong, whereas Calvin Ramsay has remained on the fringes. Geertruida’s capability to cowl a number of positions would have eased that pressure instantly.
There’s additionally the info. Final season within the Bundesliga he ranked within the high 1 p.c for proportion of aerial duels received per 90 minutes, a uncommon trait for a participant comfy on the flank. In a Liverpool aspect that usually faces direct transitions and again submit deliveries, that type of profile has apparent worth.
Sunderland stance in essential second
For Sunderland, nonetheless, the calculation was totally different. Dropping a key defender mid season and not using a alternative lined up would have been reckless, even when compensation was on the desk. Their promotion push is determined by stability, and Geertruida has been a part of that since arriving from Leipzig.
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The timing was unforgiving. With hours left within the window, discovering and registering an appropriate different was near inconceivable. The outcome was a tough no, even when it meant blocking a transfer the participant was desirous to make.
Future outlook for Liverpool curiosity
So Liverpool make do, plugging the hole with midfielders and hoping Frimpong’s return comes sooner fairly than later. But this episode is not going to be forgotten. Anfield’s recruitment crew now know Geertruida was eager, and in trendy soccer that issues. Loans finish, conditions change, and a participant who already understands Slot’s calls for stays a horny possibility.
For now, Liverpool, Luthsarel Geertruida and Sunderland go their separate methods, however don’t be shocked if these strains cross once more when the market opens and the clocks are now not ticking so loudly.