- Crystal Palace battling for Geertruida
- Liverpool frontrunners for Dutch midfielder
- Sunderland want him to join permanently
Crystal Palace are reportedly looking to rival Liverpool for Sunderland loanee Lutsharel Geertruida. The Dutch star’s versatility has not only attracted the Eagles and the Reds, but also multiple Premier League clubs looking to nab the player.
The 25-year-old joined Sunderland on loan from RB Leipzig last summer and has been a huge hit. His consistency has earned him much praise during his season in the English top-flight.
TEAMtalk reports that Palace are keen on the Dutch midfielder, alongside Liverpool, who previously showed interest in the player in January. With Adam Wharton reportedly expecting to leave the club, the Eagles have been weighing up potential replacements.
There is also interest being shown in Geertruida from Aston Villa, Everton, and Tottenham Hotspur. Those three clubs cannot be overlooked in the upcoming summer transfer window.
What Geertruida Could Bring
This season has been a wild ride for Palace following last season’s FA Cup triumph. Question marks over the club’s recruitment have occurred in the aftermath of Eberechi Eze and Marc Guehi’s departures.
The Eagles will be looking forward to next season under a new manager but the current focus is on the Conference League. That doesn’t mean Steve Parish’s scouts aren’t on the lookout for acquistions and Geertruida is seemingly on their wishlist.
The Dutch international immediately adapted to life in England’s top flight, featuring at right-back, centre-back, and even in holding midfield. The 25-year-old has displayed strong tackling, physical presence, and the ability to win one-on-one duels.
Geertruida has made 27 appearances in all competitions, winning 60 duels and making 46 clearances. Moreover, he has made 18 interceptions and 9 blocks.
Such attributes make him a viable replacement for Wharton. According to the report, he is happy at Wearside, but Sunderland don’t have an option to make their loan deal permanent. Currently valued at around £20 million, the final decision on which colours he wishes to represent next season lies with the player.
Crystal Palace’s Important Summer
Crystal Palace have encountered a topsy-turvy season, which started with the club being relegated to the Conference League due to UEFA’s multi-club ownership rules. Manager Oliver Glasner hasn’t been entirely pleased with the recruitment, particularly the failure to sign an experienced Guehi replacement.
The future of French striker Jean-Philippe Mateta still remains in doubt after he failed a medical ahead of a proposed move to AC Milan in January. Wharton might be another to make way and join a Champions League-competitor club.
With Liverpool their main contender for Geertruida, Palace must be wise in trying to win the race for the Dutchman. The Selhurst faithful would certainly be happy to see him arrive at the club given his impressive displays at the Stadium of Light.
Geertruida could be an ideal midfield signing for Glasner’s successor. They might also remain in Europe next season as the South Londoners face Florentina in the Conference League quarter-finals, which is their only hope of silverware.
