Lutsharel Geertruida has quickly become one of the most talked-about defenders in the Bundesliga since his arrival at RB Leipzig. The Dutch international, known for his versatility, composure, and tactical intelligence, has been a key figure in Leipzig’s backline. Naturally, fans and football enthusiasts are curious about how much the 23-year-old earns at one of Germany’s top clubs.
While exact figures are often kept confidential in football contracts, reliable sources and industry estimates suggest that Geertruida earns around €70,000 to €90,000 per week at RB Leipzig. This places his annual salary between €3.6 million and €4.7 million, before bonuses and endorsements.
These numbers reflect his growing importance in the squad. Having joined from Feyenoord, where he was already a standout performer, Geertruida’s move to the Bundesliga came with a significant pay rise, aligning him with some of the league’s top defensive talents.
In the context of the Bundesliga, Geertruida’s wages are competitive but not yet in the upper echelon occupied by the league’s highest earners. For comparison:
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Matthijs de Ligt (Bayern Munich): €280,000 per week
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Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich): €180,000 per week
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Jonathan Tah (Bayer Leverkusen): €100,000 per week
Geertruida’s salary is more in line with established but not yet elite defenders, such as Nico Schlotterbeck (Borussia Dortmund, €80,000 per week) and Edmond Tapsoba (Bayer Leverkusen, €75,000 per week). Given his age and potential, Leipzig likely views this as a fair valuation with room for future increases, especially if he continues to develop at his current trajectory.
Like most modern football contracts, Geertruida’s deal likely includes performance-related bonuses. These can significantly boost his earnings based on:
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Appearances (starting vs. substitute)
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Clean sheets and defensive contributions
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Team success (Champions League qualification, cup wins)
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Individual accolades (Bundesliga Team of the Season, national team call-ups)
Sponsorship deals also play a role. While not as marketable as attacking players, a defender of Geertruida’s caliber can still secure endorsements from sportswear brands and other commercial partners, adding to his overall income.
Leipzig’s recruitment strategy has always focused on identifying young, high-potential talents before they reach their peak market value. Geertruida fits this model perfectly. His ability to play as a right-back, center-back, and even defensive midfielder makes him an invaluable asset in a league that demands tactical flexibility.
His performances in the Eredivisie and Europa League with Feyenoord showcased his maturity beyond his years, making him a sought-after prospect. Leipzig’s willingness to pay a transfer fee (reportedly around €25 million) and offer a competitive salary underscores their belief in his long-term value.
At 23, Geertruida is still years away from his prime. If he maintains his current form and helps Leipzig challenge for Bundesliga titles or make deep Champions League runs, a contract renegotiation within the next two years is highly possible.
Clubs like Bayern Munich, Liverpool, and Barcelona have been known to monitor versatile defenders, and a standout season could put him in the shop window for an even bigger payday. For now, however, Leipzig will be delighted to have secured one of Europe’s most promising defenders at a reasonable wage structure.
The Bundesliga is often seen as a more financially sensible league compared to the Premier League or La Liga. While stars like Harry Kane and Jamal Musiala earn upwards of €300,000 per week at Bayern, most players operate within a more modest range.
Geertruida’s salary reflects Leipzig’s model—competitive enough to attract top talent but balanced to ensure financial sustainability. Unlike clubs burdened by excessive wage bills, Leipzig’s approach allows them to remain agile in the transfer market while still competing at the highest level.
Absolutely. In an era where attacking players dominate wage discussions, a reliable defender like Geertruida provides immense value. His ability to slot into multiple positions, read the game, and contribute in buildup play justifies Leipzig’s investment.
As he continues to adapt to the Bundesliga’s intensity, there’s every reason to believe his earnings will rise in line with his performances. For now, fans can enjoy watching one of Europe’s most exciting young defenders while knowing he’s being fairly compensated for his contributions.
With Leipzig pushing for Champions League football and potential silverware, Geertruida’s salary could soon look like a bargain in the ever-inflating world of football finances.
