Liverpool are reportedly in talks to sign Sunderland ace Lutsharel Geertruida, as Arne Slot goes in search for a solution to his right-back problem. The Reds are currently without Conor Bradley or Jeremie Frimpong, with Dominik Szoboszlai and Wataru Endo having deputised at right-back in recent weeks. 

While Frimpong is expected to be missing for weeks rather than months, Bradley’s absence is a little longer, with the Northern Irish international unlikely to return before the end of the season. It comes after the 22-year-old underwent surgery for a knee problem he picked up against Arsenal at the beggining of the month.

According to The Athletic, Liverpool could be about to solve their problem, with Sunderland’s Geertruida earmarked as a potential option. Geertruida is currently on loan at the Premier League outfit from RB Leipzig, but it’s claimed that discussions are taking place to end that deal early, with a view to join Liverpool instead.

Geertruida knows Liverpool boss Slot well, having played under the Dutchman at Feyenoord for three seasons. Much like Slot, Geertruida left the Eredivisie outfit in 2024, and is adept at playing in several positions across the backline, which would come as a big benefit to Liverpool, who are sparse in defensive areas right now.

While they might’ve fallen out of the title picture, Liverpool do have good reason to target defensive reinforcements, given they’re still fighting strong in the Champions League and the FA Cup. After a third-place finish in the league phase, Liverpool will play one of the winners from either Juventus vs Galatasaray or Club Brugge vs Atletico Madrid in the last-16.

In the FA Cup, Liverpool have been drawn at home to Premier League rivals Brighton in the fourth round. If Liverpool push forward with a move for Geertruida, they have until Monday evening to get all of the formalities sorted out before the window slams shut. If successful, Geertruida would be eligible to face Manchester City in Liverpool’s next Premier League outing.