Journalist Confirms Liverpool’s Interest in Signing RB Leipzig Star | OneFootball

Geertruida and the Dutch Blueprint: Liverpool’s Summer Targets Taking Shape

Geertruida’s Rise Under Slot Sparks Renewed Interest

As Liverpool prepare for a summer of calculated evolution under new head coach Arne Slot, the attention has naturally turned to players who can both reinforce and reflect the Dutchman’s tactical ideals. One such name is Lutsharel Geertruida — a figure of versatility, intelligence and trust from their shared days at Feyenoord.

Geertruida’s name is reportedly high on Liverpool’s shortlist this summer, with Lewis Steele of the Daily Mail reporting that the Dutch defender is “a player well known to – and rated by – Liverpool’s Dutch contingent.” The 24-year-old was an instrumental figure in Slot’s Feyenoord side, operating across the backline and midfield, and excelling in the system that clinched the 2022/23 Eredivisie title and KNVB Cup.

Slot, it seems, is shaping Liverpool not only through system tweaks but through recruitment that mirrors his previous success — and few fit the bill better than Geertruida.

Adaptability and Tactical Intelligence Key to Liverpool’s Interest

Geertruida’s appeal goes beyond familiarity. His 2023 season with Feyenoord yielded nine goals and five assists — remarkable numbers for a player who often shifted between right-back, centre-back and defensive midfield. His ability to invert into central areas during possession phases mirrors the modern positional play demanded at elite clubs.

Photo: IMAGO

Liverpool, according to Steele, are closely monitoring his progress at RB Leipzig, where he moved for €25 million in August 2024. Though under contract until 2029, Leipzig are said to value him at €35 million.

“Liverpool have always enjoyed a healthy business relationship with RB Leipzig, having bought Ibrahima Konate and Dominik Szboszslai from them in recent seasons,” writes Steele, before noting that “nothing has advanced beyond interest at present. Geertruida’s future, though, should be followed closely.”

Strategic Recruitment Beyond Frimpong

Liverpool’s summer priorities appear well defined: a striker, a centre-back and a left-back. Names like Milos Kerkez and Dean Huijsen are already circling. But the interest in Jeremie Frimpong — also Dutch, also familiar with inverted roles — has drawn attention for other reasons.

Frimpong counts as a homegrown player under Premier League regulations due to his time in Manchester City’s academy. Yet despite his attractive profile and a £30 million release clause payable in four instalments, Liverpool are clearly weighing other options, doing their diligence.

Geertruida offers similar technical ability and tactical intelligence but with the added advantage of direct, proven experience under Slot. That counts for plenty.

Photo: IMAGO

Familiarity with Slot May Prove Decisive

For Geertruida, a reunion with Slot at Anfield would bring him into a dressing room already touched by Dutch influence. Virgil van Dijk, Cody Gakpo and Ryan Gravenberch are familiar faces, as is the respect he holds within the national setup. Capped 16 times by the Netherlands and a semi-finalist at Euro 2024, his credentials are well established.

Liverpool’s recruitment approach under FSG has often been one of surgical precision rather than high-risk overhaul. This window, with a new manager and a new title defence looming, may require both. Geertruida offers a rare mix of positional versatility, elite-level experience, and intimate understanding of Slot’s methods — and in that, he may be worth far more than €35 million.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

Geertruida to Liverpool makes a lot of sense — and not just because of his past with Slot. If we’re honest, fans are still adjusting to what Slot’s reign means for this team post-Klopp. But the fact he’s identifying players who already understand his tactical demands is reassuring.

Geertruida is the type of signing that flies slightly under the radar but could be transformational. He knows the system. He’s versatile. He’s not here for the spotlight — he’s here to deliver. That’s what Liverpool need.

With the Premier League pushing harder every year and teams getting smarter in their build-up play, having a defender who can step into midfield and dictate tempo could be massive. We’ve seen glimpses of that with Trent. Now imagine Geertruida doing that job, freeing Trent or complementing him depending on the shape.

Fans always love a headline striker or a blockbuster winger, but titles are won with tactical clarity and players who get the system. Geertruida is exactly that. If this deal happens, it could be one of the smartest pieces of business all summer.