Sunderland close to signing £19m defender, who was once on Newcastle’s radar

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Sunderland are closing in on their 13th signing of the summer as Regis Le Bris continues his impressive rebuild.

The Black Cats are expressing a desire to bolster the squad right up until the 7pm deadline following an impressive start to their Premier League return.

Sunderland have two wins from their opening three fixtures and sit sixth in the league table heading into the international break.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Sunderland will add Lutsharel Geertruida to the defensive ranks after a loan move was agreed with RB Leipzig, with a purchase option of £19 million.

Lutsharel Geertruida is a long-standing Newcastle United target

Dutch news outlet AD reported in 2024 that Newcastle United had earmarked Geertruida as a top transfer target that summer.

The 25-year-old signed for RB Leipzig instead, and after an underwhelming maiden year in Germany, he is now set for his long-awaited move to the Premier League.

Geertruida has been linked with Liverpool in the past – the defender was part of Arne Slot’s Eredivisie title-winning squad in Feyenoord and was once tipped to follow his former boss to Anfield.

Manchester United, Tottenham, and Aston Villa have also been credited with interest in the Dutch international, but Sunderland have moved to the front of the queue and secured his signature.

And now, after Sunderland signed Nordi Mukiele, Le Bris will be able to field a central defensive pairing that boasts Champions League experience at the Stadium of Light.

German legend Lothar Matthaus has been impressed with the Black Cats’ transfer business this summer as the club continues to outspend their newly promoted rivals.

Sunderland are looking to sign Brian Brobbey

Le Bris was dealt a blow when Chelsea recalled Marc Guiu from his loan spell at the Stadium of Light, but the boss wasted no time as Sunderland look to sign Brian Brobbey of Ajax.

The 23-year-old scored 22 goals and provided 11 assists for Ajax throughout the 2023/24 season, and although he underperformed last campaign in comparison, he will be a worthwhile addition to the ranks.

Brobbey represents a significant upgrade on Guiu; the Dutchman also boasts significant European experience, whereas Guiu has sat on the fringes at Chelsea.

Therefore, the Blues’ decision is a blessing in disguise for Sunderland, and by the time the deadline closes at 7pm, Le Bris will have a side that, on paper, will look more than comfortable avoiding an immediate return to the Championship this season.