Try GOLD - Free

Speakman and Geertruida explain how Cats sealed ambitious swoop

Sunderland Echo

|

September 03, 2025

Sunderland concluded a deal to sign versatile defender Lutsharel Geertruida on a season-long loan from RB Leipzig.

- by Phil Smith

Speakman and Geertruida explain how Cats sealed ambitious swoop

There is an option to make the move permanent next summer for a fee in the region of £18.5 million.

Geertruida is a versatile defender who can play at both centre-back and right-back, and who has also played at left-back and defensive midfield in his career.

A Netherlands international and an Eredivisie winner with Feyenoord, Geertruida brings significant experience to the Sunderland defence.

Sporting director Kristjaan Speakman says the club have beaten extensive competition to sign the defender, who was believed to be close to joining Marseille before Sunderland's move.

"We are delighted that Lutsharel has joined us for the 2025-26 season," he said.

MORE STORIES FROM Sunderland Echo

Sunderland Echo

Also coming to streaming

Emily in Paris (Netflix, from December 18)

time to read

1 min

December 13, 2025

Sunderland Echo

Cristal set to spark a celebration at Carlisle

Cristal D’Estruval can take the next step in his career in the pricedup bet Novices’ Hurdle at Carlisle on Sunday.

time to read

1 mins

December 13, 2025

Sunderland Echo

Sunderland Echo

'Enjoy it responsibly' - council chiefs deliver message to fans before derby

Leaders of Sunderland and Newcastle city councils have teamed up to encourage fans to enjoy Sunday's derby responsibly.

time to read

2 mins

December 13, 2025

Sunderland Echo

Casino expands gaming floor with of 26 slot machines

Grosvenor Casino Sunderland has expanded its gaming floor with the addition of 26 new slot machines, increasing the total to 46 and introducing over 350 new games for visitors.

time to read

1 min

December 13, 2025

Sunderland Echo

Discovering the secrets of Egypt and the Nile

Only moving to wipe the moisture off my heated brow in the searing Egyptian sun, I gazed open-mouthed as I stood in front of one of the most captivating panoramas I'd ever seen in my 47 years of life.

time to read

3 mins

December 13, 2025

Sunderland Echo

Pruning time if conditions permit

When the weather permits, pruning is on the agenda for outdoors but there is no panic for roses or fruit-bearing subjects.

time to read

1 mins

December 13, 2025

Sunderland Echo

Simple changes you can make to reduce the risk of eye disease

The World Health Organization estimates that over 80 per cent of all vision impairment around the world can be prevented and even cured, writes Shahina Pardhan, professor of optometry at Anglia Ruskin University.

time to read

3 mins

December 13, 2025

Sunderland Echo

Sunderland Echo

New fish and chip restaurant looks quite the catch

A new gluten-free fish and chip restaurant has opened in Sunderland offering “gluten-free food at the same price” as regular options.

time to read

1 mins

December 13, 2025

Sunderland Echo

Helen hits the right note with her fun festive song

A Christmas anthem is being created for Sunderland - and it's a fun alternative to an Elvis classic.

time to read

1 mins

December 13, 2025

Sunderland Echo

Sunderland Echo

Cats boss issues response to Sadiki transfer links

Régis Le Bris says speculation linking Premier League clubs with a move for midfielder Noah Sadiki is a positive reflection of Sunderland's progress this season.

time to read

1 min

December 13, 2025

Listen

Translate

Share

-
+

Change font size