PSG join chase for Liverpool target who previously played under Arne Slot: Reports
French giants Paris Saint-Germain have reportedly joined Premier League juggernauts Liverpool in the pursuit of Feyenoord defender Lutsharel Geertruida, according to Foot Mercato. The 23-year-old is being considered as a potential signing to improve PSG's defensive stocks in the summer.
A graduate of Feyenoord's academy, Geertruida rose through the ranks and was appointed as one of the club's captains after Orkun Kokcu's departure in July 2023. He was a crucial cog in Feyenoord's 2022-23 Eredivisie title victory, which was masterminded by current Liverpool manager Arne Slot.
The right-back enjoyed his most prolific season to date in the 2023-24 campaign, with nine goals and five assists in 47 appearances across all competitions.
Understandably, Geertruida attracted interest from his former coach Slot, with whom he has a really good relationship, after the manager moved to Anfield. However, PSG supposedly want to make him a part of their squad, which could make for an interesting transfer battle between the Reds and the Parisians.
The Ligue 1 champions are really concerned with the outlook of their defense. Presnel Kimpembe is struggling to recover from a ruptured Achilles tendon, Milan Skriniar was shaky in his debut campaign and Danilo Pereira and Nordi Mukiele could leave in the summer.
In such a situation, the club would be left with no backup options for Moroccan superstar Achraf Hakimi at right-back. Geertruida would be the perfect solution to PSG's woes, given that he can be deployed as both a right-back and centre-back.
The defender's contract expires in 2025, which means that he could be available for as little as €20 million in the upcoming transfer window.
Dutch media has previously reported Lutsharel Geertruida's willingness to join Arne Slot at Liverpool
According to a report from De Telegraaf's Marcel van der Kraan in April, Feyenoord defender Lutsharel Geertruida was 'ready for a transfer' to Liverpool following his mentor Arne Slot's move.
Van der Kraan claims that Geertruida 'would love' to join Slot at Anfield, with Feyenoord already 'expecting his departure'. Apparently, the Eredivisie side 'know that the defender wants to make a big step in his career' but it would be 'unthinkable' to allow him to leave for free.
Therefore, Feyenoord could be willing to accept a fee for their prized asset's services in the summer transfer window, with the sum quoted to be around €30 million.
Geertruida himself has showed a keen interest in following Liverpool. He attended the Reds' 2-2 draw with West Ham United at the London Stadium on April 27.
French outfit PSG and German sides Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig are also believed to be interested in signing the defender. An intense battle for his signature appears imminent in the summer.