Marseille target €20m-rated Leipzig defender Lutsharel Geertruida | OneFootball

Marseille’s frantic end to the summer transfer window has seen the club turn their attention to RB Leipzig defender Lutsharel Geertruida, according to Foot Mercato.

Having already overseen significant squad movement this summer – including the departure of Azzedine Ounahi to Girona and Jonathan Rowe to Bologna – OM’s hierarchy are now focused on strengthening their backline. The club have long pursued Club Brugge’s Joel Ordóñez, though negotiations have stalled amid the Belgian side’s reluctance to part ways with their Ecuadorian prospect. Meanwhile, talks with West Ham’s Nayef Aguerd remain ongoing, with the Moroccan international reportedly keen on a switch to the Vélodrome.

With just two days remaining before the transfer deadline, Marseille are accelerating their pursuit of alternatives. Geertruida, who joined Leipzig from Feyenoord last summer after being tracked by PSG, is now a prime target. The 25-year-old’s first season in Germany has been underwhelming, and the Netherlands international (17 caps) is open to a move to Ligue 1.

Able to play both at right-back and in central defence, Geertruida would bring valuable versatility to Roberto De Zerbi’s squad. He remains under contract at Leipzig until 2029, and the Bundesliga side are expected to demand around €20m for his transfer. Negotiations between the two clubs are ongoing.GFFN | George Boxall