Plans to strengthen Liverpool’s backline have stalled despite the Reds appearing close to luring one of Arne Slott’s former players to Anfield before transfer deadline day.
Arn Slott’s plans go awry (Image: Kate McShane, Getty Images)
As Monday’s transfer deadline approaches, the chances of Liverpool signing Lutcharel Hertruida on loan from Sunderland for the remainder of the season are diminishing. Geertruida plays under Arne Slott at Feyenoord and is currently on loan at Sunderland from Bundesliga side RB Leipzig.
After Liverpool’s 4-1 home victory over Newcastle United in the Premier League on Saturday, Slott hinted that the Reds are looking to add to their squad before Monday night’s transfer deadline.
Geertruida, a 25-year-old right-back who can also play as a centre-back and defensive midfielder, has emerged as one of several options Liverpool are considering ahead of Monday’s 7pm deadline.
However, there were fears that the deal would be complicated, as it required agreement from both Sunderland and Leipzig.
It is understood that both Geertruida and Liverpool want to proceed with a deal, but Sunderland are unable to sell Geertruida at this time as they have not found a suitable replacement for the versatile Dutchman.
read more: Jurgen Klopp plays key role in ensuring Liverpool make transfer before deadlineread more: Dominik Szoboszlai announces interesting contract renewal after holding another makeshift masterclass
North East’s expectation is that Geatoruida will instead prepare as usual for Monday’s home match against Burnley, which kicks off an hour after the transfer deadline.
Liverpool are suffering from a lack of right-backs, with Conor Bradley set to miss the season after undergoing knee surgery, Jeremy Frimpong currently on the bench with a groin problem and Joe Gomez also struggling with fitness.
Dominik Szoboszlai had to step in at the weekend to fill the hole at right-back, but manager Arne Slott’s defensive options are further reduced after young centre-back Giovanni Leoni suffered a serious anterior cruciate ligament injury.
Lutcharel Hertruida is on loan at Sunderland from RB Leipzig (Image: Andrew Kearns – CameraSport via Getty Images)
Speaking after Saturday’s 4-1 win over Newcastle, Slott said:
“But we have 48 hours left. Let’s see where the window goes.”
Following speculation about Curtis Jones’ future, Slott added: “There’s always a lot of talk about Liverpool and I think there’s a lot of talk about Liverpool players as well.” “There has been a lot of noise around the club over the last week, maybe I should say weeks, but I think today our fans showed what noise really means.
“It’s loud because they helped us so much today. That’s the noise here in Liverpool.”
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