OTD: LUTSHAREL GEERTRUIDA BORN

Born on this day in the year 2000 in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, is former Sunderland full back Lutsharel Geertruida.

He was born near Feyenoord Rotterdam's home ground, De Kuip. Having initially been a youth player at Sparta Rotterdam, he eventually moved onto Feyenoord. He would make his debut for the club in 2017, coming on as a late substitute in a cup tie against AVV Swift. After being in and around the first team for a couple of years, the 2019/20 season saw Geertruida given more opportunities in red and white. He made 26 appearances in all competitions, mainly being used as a sub and a rotation option for starter Rick Karsdorp. Karsdorp was only on loan at the club though and, following his return to parent club Roma, it gave Lutsharel the opportunity to nail down his place in the starting XI in the following campaign. He became a regular at the Dutch giants, where he won the Eredivise in 2023 under the management of future Liverpool boss Arne Slot, as well as being a part of their side that were runners up in the 2022 UEFA Europa Conference League final. He contributed a lot during that run clearly, as he was named in the Team of the Season for the competition.

His form at Feyenoord would not go unnoticed and hr was bought by Bundesliga side RB Leipzig for around €20 million in 2024. It was a move though that has not worked out for Geertruida, who played 35 times in all competitions in his first season before being made available for loan in the 2025/26 season. Sunderland, looking to continue to solidify their defence ahead of their return to the top flight, brought in the Dutch international on a season-long loan with an option to buy included within the deal. He made his debut in the closing stages at Crystal Palace in September, helping the Lads see out a goalless draw for our first clean sheet away from home. He would have to wait till October for his first start, that coming in the 2-1 win at Stamford Bridge against Chelsea, with his long ball sending Brian Brobbey away to set up Chemsdine Talbi’s stoppage time winner.

He was utilised as a bit of a utility player for most of his Sunderland loan, playing across the back four as well as in midfield. He was key during AFCON, stepping into midfield and helping the Lads get through a tricky Christmas period unbeaten despite several first team players being away. He was linked with a move to link up with former Feyenoord boss Slot in January but, in the end, Sunderland would not allow him to go due to the lack of time to replace him. Lutsharel would feature in most games but would be in and out of the starting XI, whether that be through players returning from injury or suspension, he just did not seem to be fancied by Regis Le Bris compared to others.

He did, however, start the game at St James' Park in March, playing a crucial part in getting another win over Newcastle United. With a superb last-ditch tackle late in the game to block a shot, helping us take all three points back to Wearside. Geertruida would then be dropped the following game due to the return of Nordi Mukiele and he would be an unused sub in the next four, with many believing that we had seen the last of him in a Sunderland shirt. However, after winning just one of those four games, he was back in the side as we welcomed Manchester United to the Stadium of Light. He put in another solid performance as we held the Red Devils to a point which at the time, although a good performance, felt like the end of our European hopes. A win against Everton though, and every result going our way, meant we had a chance going into the final day. Geertruida started again and played his part as we secured European football. With the signing of Thomas Meunier likely spelling the end of any return for Geertruida, he was a key part of a historic squad last season. Even if he was not a regular starter, his versatility was crucial especially around AFCON. Happy birthday Lutsharel!