Who is Lutsharel Geertruida? Arne Slot aims to acquire the £32 million Feyenoord player.
Liverpool has expressed interest in acquiring Feyenoord defender Lutsharel Geertruida, but who exactly is he? Arne Slot, gearing up for his inaugural pre-season as Liverpool's manager, may seek to bring the player back to the Premier League.
Geertruida, who is now 23 years old, joined Feyenoord's youth academy from Sparta Rotterdam in 2012 and steadily progressed through the ranks, eventually making his debut for the first team in 2017.
A versatile defender capable of playing at right-back, centre-back, or in midfield, Geertruida has amassed nearly 200 appearances for Feyenoord, scoring 19 goals along the way.
Liverpool is keen on securing Geertruida's signature and will compete with Premier League rivals Arsenal for his services. Geertruida is valued at approximately $32.2 million (£25.7m/€30m) by Slot's former club, with his current contract expiring in 2025.
Anfield legend Dirk Kuyt even recommended signing the player last year while speaking to the ECHO. "I have strong ties with Feyenoord, and they are currently performing admirably.
"They boast an excellent manager in Arne Slot, and promising talents like Orkun Kokcu and Lutsharel Geertruida are emerging and showcasing their abilities.
"It won't be long before top European clubs show interest in them. I hope Liverpool considers Feyenoord players, and I serve as proof that it can be successful!.
"You can identify talented players and foresee their bright futures. Gakpo was a standout talent, and it was evident from watching him in youth football that he would one day play for a club like Liverpool."
Geertruida even attended the 2-2 draw between West Ham United and Liverpool at the London Stadium in April, around the time when compensation terms for Slot were agreed upon between the clubs. Negotiations between the parties could resume this summer as Slot aims to reunite with his former player at Anfield.
When evaluating the player's profile, it's evident why Liverpool is interested. His versatility is a key asset, allowing him to excel in various positions. Liverpool faced injury issues throughout the 2023/24 season, and with 75% of his appearances at right-back and the remaining 25% in other positions, Geertruida offers vital depth across multiple areas of the pitch.
