Tottenham have a lot of work to do to repair their defensive unit.
Tottenham Hotspur have to do a lot of surgery on their squad after the calamitous season they’ve endured. Roberto De Zerbi has had conversations with the board regarding reinforcements, even though the North Londoners are still not assured of their top-flight status.
Relegation from the Premier League would lead to a mass exodus, as several players are likely to refrain from spending a year in the Championship. The injury crisis has had a big say in Spurs’ underwhelming campaign, which is why the Hotspur Way chiefs are prioritising adding more depth to their squad ahead of the 2026/27 season.
Defence is one of the key areas that requires more quality. With the futures of Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven and Radu Dragusin uncertain, Tottenham have been scouring the market for fresh faces in the heart of the defence. And on-loan Sunderland defender Lutsharel Geertruida has emerged on their radar.
Tottenham learn valuation of Lutsharel Geertruida
Lutsharel Geertruida joined Sunderland on a season-long loan from RB Leipzig last summer. The Netherlands international has gone on to enjoy a strong season with Sunderland, catching the eye with his versatility, technical ability, physicality and recovery pace. He has made 27 Premier League appearances, helping the Black Cats to a respectable finish following their promotion in 2025.
Despite impressing, Sunderland are not expected to trigger a buy option worth around €23 million. That development has effectively put several Premier League clubs on red alert, with Liverpool, Leeds United, Aston Villa, Everton and Crystal Palace all monitoring the defender’s situation.
According to an exclusive report from SportsBoom, RB Leipzig are ready to permanently move on Geertruida off their books in the summer. They have placed a €30 million price tag on the Dutchman’s head, with clubs from Germany, Spain and France also keeping tabs on the situation.
Liverpool are planning to make a more structured approach this time around after missing out on the 25-year-old’s signing during the winter transfer window. Leeds United and Everton remain interested, while Aston Villa winning the Europa League and securing Champions League football gives them a crucial advantage over other Premier League rivals.
Geertruida seeking a clear sporting project
Geertruida has shown he has the blend of technical ability and physicality to thrive in the hustle and bustle of Premier League football. He has been a key piece in Sunderland’s defence, but the Dutch talent’s ambition remains high. At 25, the ex-Feyenoord star is seeking an exciting sporting project that will see him compete for trophies and help in his development.
Spurs, under De Zerbi, could provide him with that platform, provided first they beat the drop on the final day of the campaign. Geertruida could become the leader of a defensive refurbishment in N17, potentially forming a strong partnership with incoming Luka Vuskovic next term.