Nottingham Forest have identified Lutsharel Geertruida as a primary target for right-back, with RB Leipzig’s stance on the Dutch star now made clear.
It’s no secret that Forest are desperate to sign full-backs before the 1st of September, with the issues in defensive cover clear since the end of the 24/25 campaign.
On the left, Forest are progressing in talks to sign Victor Kristiansen from Leicester City who is keen on a return to the Premier League, but securing back-up for Ola Aina is proving more difficult.
Geertruida is an option for Forest, and according to reports from Germany, the likelihood of seeing the 25-year-old in Garibaldi red has been made clear.
Nottingham Forest given ‘realistic’ Lutsharel Geertruida update
In terms of pedigree, Geertruida would be a brilliant addition to the Forest squad, having made over 200 appearances for boyhood club Feyenoord as well as breaking into the senior Dutch group.
At Leipzig now, though, his move to Germany hasn’t quite been the success many were expecting, giving Forest a chance to sign him that they may not have had otherwise.
According to Sky Germany’s Philipp Hinze: “The most realistic scenario for Lutsharel Geertruida shortly before Deadline Day remains a loan with a buying option.”
Similar to the Douglas Luiz deal, Forest would take Geertruida on loan initially, with Leipzig needing to decide whether they would like the Reds to be obligated to turn the loan into a permanent move.
Given Hinze’s further information, though, it seems that the German side aren’t desperate to keep hold of the defender they signed just a year ago.
RB Leipzig are open to losing Lutsharel Geertruida
Geertruida was an unused substitute in Leipzig’s 6-0 Bundesliga opening day defeat at the hands of Bayern Munich on Friday, with January addition Ridle Baku starting in his place.
A clear showing of his importance to the German side, Hinze has learned that the Dutch international won’t be prevented from departing.
He continued: “Negotiations are ongoing. Leipzig are open to letting Geertruida go. Options are being evaluated. A loan including a loan fee, an option to buy and salary coverage is realistic, provided an agreement is reached.”
The finances would need to be discussed, but it seems that Geertruida will be available to Forest if negotiations go well, presenting a significant opportunity for Edu and the recruitment staff to finalise Nuno’s squad for the season.
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