Passing On Lutsharel Geertruida Could Be A Misstep By Sunderland
“If there was a possibility of signing him on a permanent deal, we should do our utmost to make the most of it.”
Lutsharel Geertruida of Sunderland during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Sunderland at St. James's Park in Newcastle, United Kingdom, on March 22, 2026. (Photo by Mark Cosgrove/News Images/NurPhoto via Getty Images) | NurPhoto via Getty Images On Match of the Day’s coverage of Sunderland’s iconic victory over Newcastle United at St James’ Park, it was arguably down to sheer dumb luck (or possibly just a superb piece of TV direction), that as the Lads celebrated Brian Brobbey’s late winner with emotions running highly in front of the Leazes End, a pitchside cameraman caught a brief shot of Lutsharel Geertruida roaring with delight as he joined his teammates for their moment of glory.
It was the perfect note on which to end a day of mixed emotions for the classy Dutch defender — from being the victim of racial abuse which led to the game being paused, retaining his composure as Sunderland turned the game around and then in the elation of victory when the final whistle blew. As we eventually came from behind and ultimately blew the bloody doors off the Saudi mass of steel on the hill, Geertruida had the last laugh and then some, and so it was with a touch of consternation that I read social media rumours on Friday which claimed that the Red Bull Leipzig loanee won’t be a Sunderland player beyond the end of the 2025/2026 campaign, with his options apparently set to be reassessed. A shock?
I didn’t think so — even if Régis Le Bris dismissed the speculation following Sunderland’s draw with Manchester United, stating that no decision has been taken yet and won’t be until the season is over. Despite generally performing to a very high standard whenever he’s been called upon, Geertruida had seemingly dropped off the radar and out of the reckoning since that memorable day in enemy territory. However, even when a proposed January move to Liverpool failed to materialise, he acquitted himself very well thereafter and if an agreement could be worked out — something about which I’m not giving up all hope — I’m convinced he would be a more than worthwhile addition to our squad on a permanent basis.
On the other hand, if he does eventually head for pastures new, the hope is that the popular Dutch international can sign off at the Stadium of Light on a high, possibly bringing the curtain down on his brief spell in red and white having played a part in what’s already been a hugely successful campaign, and his display at the weekend hinted at exactly that. Named in the starting eleven to face United on Saturday, Geertruida played like a man with a point to prove; a player on a genuine mission to show everyone what he’s capable of and what he can bring to the team. Indeed, there was one moment towards the end of his exceptional display during which he gesticulated passionately to the crowd in order to fire them up, and that really summed up his afternoon.
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