‘Talks continue’ - Aston Villa advance towards deal for exciting defender with 13 goal contributions last term
Aston Villa are hoping to bolster their options ahead of this season’s Champions League campaign
Aston Villa are edging closer towards a move for 11-time Netherlands international Lutsharel Geertruida, according to reports.
The 24-year-old Feyenoord star is a versatile attacking-minded defender that is capable of playing in multiple positions such as centre back, right back defensive midfielder. He is a player that Unai Emery is thought to be a huge fan of as he looks to build a team capable of going deep into the Champions League this season.
Geertruida, who primarily plays at right back, has experience in top European competitions and was notably a part of the Feyenoord team that reached the Europa Conference League final in 2022. He also helped Arne Slot’s team to a league title the following season.
He is blessed with enormous creativity and is seen as a potential competitor for Matty Cash next term. Geertruida has always thrived in attacking areas, but enjoyed his best individual season to date last time out as he registered eight goals and five assists in 34 league matches.
With less than 12 months remaining on his current deal with Feyenoord, Geertruida would be a welcome addition to Unai Emery’s squad ahead of a hectic fixture schedule next season. Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano understands that talks are ‘ongoing’ but understands that negotiations are complex at this stage with RB Leipzig also showing huge interest.
Geertruida's potential move to Villa Park is also understood to be dependent on the future of centre back Diego Carlos, according to Romano.The ex-Sevilla man, who joined Villa two years ago is the subject of immense interest from Fulham, and it is likely that the funds used from a potential Carlos sale would be used to help with Geertruida wage demands and transfer fee.
Sky Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg, argues that a move to the Premier League remains ‘the most realistic scenario’ this summer for Geertruida, despite both RB Leipzig and Paris Saint-Germain showing interest.