Lutsharel Geertruida has completed a move to PSV Eindhoven...

Former Sunderland loanee Lutsharel Geertruida has found a new club, with the Dutchman sealing a temporary switch to Eredivisie giants PSV Eindhoven.

The versatile talent spent last season at the Stadium of Light, but the Black Cats failed to exercise an option-to-buy clause in his deal. As such, Geertruida returned to parent club RB Leipzig earlier this summer, but has completed a switch back to his home country, as confirmed on Friday morning. The 26-year-old has signed for PSV on a one-year loan deal with an option-to-buy clause attached, believed to be worth around £11 million.

Addressing his decision to seal a move Eindhoven in his first interview as a PSV player, Geertruida said: “Sometimes there comes a moment in a career when you are ready for a new challenge and start thinking about the right next step. In my case, that was not an easy search this time.

“I am 26 years old, I want to play at the highest level, compete for trophies, continue to develop myself, and also remain in contention for the Dutch national team. And all of that within a team where I have a realistic chance of playing time and that plays in a way that suits me. That leaves you with a select number of clubs, and they also have to be interested in a collaboration.”

Reflecting on his previous association with PSV’s rivals Feyenoord, who he started his senior career with, Geertruida continued: “After several wonderful conversations with Peter Bosz and the PSV management, I became convinced that this club possesses all the aspects that are important to me at this moment. I have made this decision with great care.

“I do not expect everyone to understand or accept this decision immediately. But I hope that, in time, there will also be room to see how much love, gratitude, and respect I continue to feel for Feyenoord. Therefore, I want to make one thing very clear: my choice for PSV is not a choice against Feyenoord. I will never forget what Feyenoord has given me, and it will always remain a part of who I am.

“I am now opening a new chapter at PSV with full conviction and great ambition. I look forward to dedicating myself to my new club with fighting spirit and achieving success together this season. I hope that we can continue to seek connection and try to create understanding for each other's situation.”

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Elsewhere, reports in the Netherlands suggest that Sunderland did discuss the possibility of a permanent swoop for Geertruida following his departure from Wearside, but were unable to reach an agreement with both the player and his parent club, Leipzig.

Writing on social media, De Telegraaf journalist Jeroen Kapteijns was asked about the possibility of the defender returning to the Black Cats, to which he replied: “That was indeed discussed. However, the transfer never materialised. Sunderland, Leipzig, and Geertruida could not reach an agreement on a permanent move.”

Over the course of his time in the North East, Geertruida made 30 appearances for Sunderland across all competitions.

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