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. He’s clearly developed an affinity for the club and it’s evidently mutual, as the fans have taken him to their hearts and would doubtless love him to stay.
In my view, it would be perilously close to a misstep were we to pass up the chance to sign him on a permanent deal and although the bell could be ringing and the ship may be about to leave the harbour, it’s reasonable to ask why.
In an era where genuine utility players are often given second billing, has his undoubted versatility perhaps proved too tricky to overcome? Has the form of other players that’ve cemented themselves in key positions — the so-called ‘favourites’ of Régis Le Bris — been to his detriment?
It would be a shame if so, but that’s not to downplay the influence of the likes of Trai Hume and Nordi Mukiele — two fine players in their own right — and let’s be honest, when was the last time we were possibly able to consider such a classy player as Geertruida as being surplus to requirements?
Once again, it highlights the dizzying speed at which things have progressed in the past twelve months, and may possibly continue to progress if we’re set on building on the foundations that’ve been put in place.
In many ways, Geertruida’s potential departure (possibly to a rival Premier League club for a chunky fee? I wouldn’t be surprised), wouldn’t really change a great deal in practical terms.
Everyone’s aware of the need to strengthen the squad in the summer and it was interesting to read recent quotes from Le Bris that seemed to hint at a more modest and perhaps streamlined approach being taken ahead of 2026/2027 as opposed to the spectacular recruitment drive on which we embarked last summer.
If that’s the road we go down, choosing to augment rather than rebuild the squad once again, so be it, but the need for defensive reinforcements is pressing and if Geertruida’s versatility has led to a dilemma that the club has perhaps struggled to resolve, what of any potential summer arrivals? Will they be straight upgrades on players potentially ripe for moves or rotational options to provide depth during what’ll be another gruelling campaign?
Given their stellar recent record in the transfer market, I’m hesitant to even consider critiquing the approach taken by Florent Ghisolfi and his team.
However, I’m a huge admirer of Geertruida and if there was a possibility of signing him on a permanent deal, we should do our utmost to make the most of it. He ticks an awful lot of boxes for us; he’s a true team player as well as a superb athlete and a tremendous footballer.
Let’s hope it’s not as cut and dried as it might’ve appeared a few days ago.
