Luke O’Nien reveals cheeky Lutsharel Geertruida transfer talks after Sunderland finale and Liverpool links
Luke O’Nien made his feelings clear on Lutsharel Geertruida’s transfer future after Sunderland’s win against Chelsea
Luke O’Nien says he has been asking Lutsharel Geertruida “every day” to stay at Sunderland as the Dutchman’s future becomes one of the more interesting summer questions at the Stadium of Light.
Geertruida arrived on loan with a big reputation and his pedigree has never really been in doubt. He was linked with Liverpool in January, Tottenham Hotspur have also been credited with an interest, and he is heading into a World Cup year with his long-term future still to be decided.
That makes his situation intriguing. Geertruida has not always been a regular starter under Régis Le Bris, but when he has played, he has looked exactly like the type of high-level, versatile defender Sunderland will want to keep around if the deal is possible.
He has filled in across the back line and has also offered quality in possession, experience and tactical flexibility. Even without being an automatic pick every week, his professionalism has clearly made a big impression inside the dressing room.
Asked after the Chelsea game about players such as Geertruida, who may not necessarily remain on Wearside beyond the summer, O’Nien was full of praise for his team-mate. “He's been top, he's been top level,” O’Nien said. “As a human, as a player, he's incredible.
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“I'd love to see him stay. I've asked him every day for God knows how long, so at least when that's out of my hands, I'll try and get him here tonight. I'll give him a napkin, have the contract underneath. But he's a phenomenal human, and at the level he's shown in all positions, he's been so important to this team this season, and hopefully many more years.”
It was a typically light-hearted line from O’Nien, but it also said plenty. Sunderland’s players know what Geertruida has brought to the group, even during spells when he has had to wait for opportunities. The wider question is whether Sunderland can turn that admiration into something more concrete.
Geertruida’s profile, outside interest and international ambitions mean it is unlikely to be a straightforward conversation, particularly when regular football will be a major consideration before this summer’s World Cup. But O’Nien’s message was clear enough: if the dressing room had a vote, Geertruida would be sticking around.