RB Leipzig close in on signing £21m defender who was open to joining Liverpool

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Liverpool fans are perhaps still expecting Arne Slot to sign a new defender in the summer transfer window.

Slot has signed a new goalkeeper and new attacker in Giorgi Mamardashvili and Federico Chiesa respectively.

But the defensive situation at Liverpool remains uncertain, particularly with no changes to Virgil van Dijk’s contract.

The captain’s deal at Anfield will expire at the end of the season, as will that of his fellow defender Trent Alexander-Arnold.

But centre-back is one of the most worrying positions for fans of the Merseyside club, along with the number six role.

Lutsharel Geertruida nears RB Leipzig move despite wanting Liverpool

Liverpool enquired about RB Leipzig’s Mohamed Simakan, but Newcastle United now want to sign the defender, who can play at centre-back and right-back.

And now the Reds have missed out on another target, with Fabrizio Romano saying on X that Feyenoord’s Lutsharel Geertruida is closing in on a move to RB Leipzig.

READ MORE: Everything to know on Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk from his tattoo to net worth

The journalist said the flight and medical have been booked for the centre-back, who will leave the Dutch club in a deal in excess of €25million (£21million).

Will Arne Slot regret missing out on Lutsharel Geertruida?

Liverpool were in the race for Geertruida, with the player also wanted by Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle and West Ham.

Slot obviously has strong ties to Feyenoord, having only just left the Eredivisie club to replace Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool.

READ MORE: Liverpool’s most expensive/record transfer fees

Geertruida was open to joining Liverpool, in what would have been a quick reunion with the Dutchman at Anfield.

But now it seems that such a reunion can be ruled out, with the search for a new Anfield centre-back perhaps continuing throughout Deadline Day.

Geertruida would have been a superb signing from Slot, with the 24-year-old able to play centrally and out wide at the back, as well as in defensive midfield.

Such versatility would have been warmly welcomed at Anfield, while the player already has superb experience in the game, with the current Feyenoord captain boasting 11 Netherlands caps.