Liverpool Poised for Deadline Day Activity as Geertruida Move Gathers Pace
After a relatively quiet January transfer window, Liverpool Football Club appears to be preparing for a potentially frantic conclusion to the month. The Reds, buoyed by a convincing 4-1 victory over Newcastle United that ended a five-match winless streak in the Premier League, are now linked with a significant defensive reinforcement.
Defensive Reunion on the Cards at Anfield
Reports indicate that Dutch defender Lutsharel Geertruida is edging closer to a transfer to Liverpool. The versatile player, currently on loan at Sunderland from RB Leipzig, is said to be keen on a move that would reunite him with his former Feyenoord manager, Arne Slot. This potential signing would represent Liverpool's first senior acquisition of the January window and comes at a crucial time, with the club's defensive options severely depleted by injuries to Conor Bradley, Jeremie Frimpong, Joe Gomez, and Giovanni Leoni.
Geertruida has made a positive impression during his loan spell at the Stadium of Light, starting 10 of his 17 Premier League appearances this season. However, the opportunity to join the reigning champions and work again with Slot is understood to be a compelling proposition. According to sources, the player has already informed his Sunderland teammates of his impending departure, news that has reportedly left the dressing room upset. The Black Cats are expected to seek appropriate compensation and a replacement should the transfer be finalised.
Szoboszlai Delivers Firm Verdict on Right-Back Position
Meanwhile, Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai has delivered a clear message regarding his positional future. The Hungarian international, who recently discussed his desire to extend his contract at Anfield, was asked about continuing in the right-back role he has occupied several times this season due to the team's injury crisis.
Following an impressive performance in the victory over Newcastle, where he again filled in defensively, Szoboszlai was unequivocal in his response. "Not long-term, not even medium-term to be honest in my head," he stated. "As I've said before I'm a midfielder and hopefully our right-back is going to come back from injury and I can get back in the middle."
He emphasised his willingness to help the team when needed but made his positional preference abundantly clear. "I think midfielder is more me than the right-back. I am close to the goal and I can be more dangerous," Szoboszlai explained, highlighting that from a defensive position he feels far from the goal despite doing everything required for the team's structure.
The 25-year-old acknowledged the squad now has other options with players returning to fitness but reiterated his core identity as a central midfielder. This admission underscores the pressing need for Liverpool to address their right-back situation, whether through returning players or new signings like Geertruida, as the season progresses.
