Transfer Centre

Tottenham transfer news: Spurs 'leading' Liverpool in race for Dutch defender

By Ben Sully | 23 June 2024

Spurs 'leading' Liverpool in race for Dutch star

Tottenham Hotspur reportedly move ahead of Premier League rivals Liverpool in the race to sign Feyenoord defender Lutsharel Geertruida.

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly moved ahead of Liverpool in the race to sign Feyenoord defender Lutsharel Geertruida.

After coming through Feyenoord's youth ranks, Geertruida has gone on to make 198 competitive appearances for the first team.

Last season, Geertruida chipped in with nine goals and five assists in 47 matches in all competitions, helping Feyenoord win the KNVB Beker for the second time in his career.

The 23-year-old was also part of the Feyenoord side that won the Eredivisie title in 2022-23, ending the club's six-year wait to be crowned Dutch champions.

Geertruida is currently representing Netherlands at Euro 2024, but his involvement in the tournament has not prevented his future from becoming the subject of much speculation.

Feyenoord's Lutsharel Geertruida applauds fans after the match on December 13, 2023 © Reuters

Tottenham leapfrog Liverpool in Geertruida pursuit

The versatile defender has been linked with a reunion with Arne Slot, who recently left Feyenoord to replace Jurgen Klopp as Liverpool manager.

However, according to The Mirror, Tottenham are currently leading Liverpool in the race to sign Geertruida this summer.

The report claims that Spurs have moved to the front of the queue because Slot is reluctant to make Geertruida his first signing as Liverpool boss.

There is the suggestion that Slot is wary of being criticised like Erik ten Hag has been for bringing players to Manchester United from the Eredivisie.

While they may have the advantage over Liverpool, Spurs may still need to fend off competition from French giants Paris Saint-Germain.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou pictured in March 2024 © Reuters

Why are Spurs chasing Geertruida?

Geertruida played predominately as a right-back during the 2023-24 campaign, but he also showed that he could operate on the opposite side or in central defence.

That versatility is likely to appeal to Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou, who is looking to strengthen his squad ahead of his second season in North London.

Tottenham are also set to lose one of their right-back options, with Emerson Royal widely expected to depart this summer.

If he joined Tottenham, Geertruida would compete with Pedro Porro for the right-back spot and offer valuable cover in other defensive areas.

With Geertruida set to enter the final 12 months of his deal, there is a belief that £25m could be enough to secure his signature this summer.