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RB Leipzig defender Lutsharel Geertruida’s loan out to Sunderland has officially been confirmed. Sky Germany reports that the Black Cats will pay the German Red Bulls a €2.5m loan fee and maintain a €20m purchase option. Very importantly, the Premier League outfit have assumed full responsibility for the Bundesliga professional’s salary.
Leipzig had been trying to move their transfer flop from last season all summer. As the transfer deadline drew to a close, the Saxons actually did an admirable job of reducing their oversized squad. Geertruida’s fellow transfer flop Eljif Elmas was also moved on transfer deadline day. Over the weekend, midfielder Arthur Vermeeren was loaned out to Marseille.
Striker Loïs Openda – though official confirmation from the Bundesliga club is still lacking – has been registered by Juventus FC as a new loan signing. Leipzig now carry a respectable 29-man-squad into their two-competition season. RB sporting director Marcel Schäfer left the door open for Geertruida’s return in his club statement.
“Lutsha has demonstrated great potential on several occasions in his first year at RB Leipzig,” Schäfer’s statement read. “He’s has had less playing time recently. The loan is therefore a sensible solution for all sides.“
GGFN | Peter Weis
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