Lutsharel Geertruida and Brian Brobbey both joined Sunderland on deadline day of the summer window.
The right-back joined the Black Cats on loan from RB Leipzig, while the 23-year-old striker arrived at the Stadium of Light from Ajax on a permanent transfer.
Geertruida and Brobbey know each and played together with the Netherlands. Prior to their moves to Sunderland, De Telegraaf reported the duo spoke to each other, expressing their desire to work together at the English club.
Algemeen Dagblad points out that only four of the 25 players called up by Ronald Koeman this month are from the Eredivisie. The majority of them are from the Premier League.
However, the new Sunderland duo haven’t made it to Koeman’s squad for the ongoing international break. The 25-year-old defender and Brobbey last featured for the national team in June and March respectively.
Geertruida left Feyenoord for the Bundesliga club in August 2024 and was in and out of their starting lineup in the second half of last season.
Koeman reveals he held talks with Geertruida before he joined Sunderland, but not with Brobbey, and AD have relayed his comments.
“Geertruida also called me. Several players do that, and then I give them advice, or they outline their considerations,” he said.
“No, Brobbey didn’t do that. He doesn’t have to, mind you; it’s not like that plays a role in my choices for one or the other. To be selected for the Dutch national team, you have to play well above all. I sincerely hope that Brian will do that in the near future.”
