£85,000-a-week Sunderland star expected to leave as Leeds plot shock summer move

After securing their Premier League status at the first time of asking, Leeds United have turned their focus towards the transfer window and a deal to sign Lutsharel Geertruida.

The Dutchman is one of a number of targets at Elland Road, as the Whites look to avoid a serious case of second-season syndrome. They know more than most just how tough it is to become an established Premier League side.

This time around, the 49ers’ project is in full flow and there’s every chance that they manage to get one over on Premier League rivals, including Sunderland in the coming months.

According to Sports Boom, Leeds are now plotting a move to sign Geertruida from RB Leipzig following the end of his loan spell at Sunderland.

As things stand, he’s unlikely to join the Black Cats on a permanent basis – opening the door for several Premier League sides to swoop in.

Whilst Leeds are among those sides, they face some hefty competition from Liverpool, Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur with Leipzig looking to land around €30m (£26m) for their versatile defender.

Liverpool could provide particularly fierce competition, given how much Arne Slot is a fan of the £85,000-a-week star and how close the Reds came to landing his signature during the January transfer window. Alas, Leeds will be hoping that their offer of consistent starts is enough to end that competition entirely.

In one move, those at Elland Road can get one over on several of their Premier League rivals – making an instant statement that they’re here to stay in the top flight.

Leeds should push to sign £26m Geertruida

At £26m, Geertruida represents a bargain that Leeds should do everything to land this summer, using the fact he shares an agent with Brenden Aaronson. He is an invaluable player to have, given how versatile he is. Whether it’s at right-back or in midfield, the Dutchman provides depth across a number of key areas.

He’s certainly impressed at Sunderland too, even if it does not end in a permanent move. Black Cats boss Regis Le Bris told reporters last week: “At the minute he’s a player of Sunderland and he did well today, which was a real positive.

“We still have two games to play and until the end of June he will be with us so we’ll see. It’s a bit early to speak about next season because we want to finish this one and after that it’s a decision between the player, the club and in this context another club. After that we have to make a decision.”

Whether Leeds make Sunderland’s “decision” for them will be interesting to watch. The 49ers are clearly out to ruffle a few feathers in the coming months.

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