- Leipzig's RB signed Geertruida, as Simakan departed
Leipzig strengthened its squad on the last day of the transfer window by securing the signing of Dutch international footy player Lutsharel Geertruida. The captain of Feyenoord Rotterdam joins the team for a fee around €20-25 million, agreeing to a contract that runs until June 2029. Leipzig almost secured Geertruida's signature last year, but negotiations fell through. This time, Feyenoord showed more flexibility as Geertruida's current contract was set to expire soon.
The departure of Mohamed Simakan opens up a space for Geertruida. Simakan, the defender, is leaving Leipzig and heading abroad, as the club announced late in the day. Reports suggest Simakan is bound for Saudi Arabia. "The transfer will be announced officially in the coming days," Leipzig stated.
Geertruida is on the brink of joining Al-Nassr FC for €45 million. The defender is set to ink a five-year deal with the Cristiano Ronaldo's club and rumors say he'll earn more than double his Leipzig salary. This deal is a financial win for Leipzig, which signed Simakan from Strasbourg for €15 million in the summer of 2021.
Under-17 World Cup champion Osawe is temporarily leaving Leipzig, linking up with 2. Bundesliga side 1. FC Nürnberg. Leipzig has also secured a buy-back option for the 17-year-old. Meanwhile, André Silva will spend the first half of the season with Leipzig. No inquiries regarding Silva's transfer have been made as of Friday afternoon, but a move to a country with an open transfer window is still a possibility.
Geertruida's arrival at Leipzig marks a significant boost for the team's soccer prowess. With Simakan's departure to Saudi Arabia, Geertruida will fill the vacant spot in the defense.
