During his one and only season in the Leeds United starting XI, a player who left Elland Road at a slight financial loss this week seldom emerged victorious from duels against seasoned Premier League widemen.
Rasmus Kristensen arrived at Elland Road with a reputation for being one of the most exciting young attack-minded full-backs in Europe. During his final campaign at Red Bull Salzburg in 2021/22, the Denmark international provided 10 goals and eight assists from the flank, after all.
But, as would quickly become apparent, the Premier League requires a very different side of a full-back’s game.
And as the Leeds faithful say good riddance to Kristensen, rather than goodbye, the reaction greeting his £9 million permanent switch to Eintracht Frankfurt speaks volumes about how he came to be regarded in West Yorkshire.
Over in Germany, however, the feeling towards the former Leeds United, Roma and Ajax man could hardly be more different.
Rasmus Kristensen has been a Frankfurt fan favourite almost from the first day he arrived. A couple of full-blooded early challenges set the tone. And while Kristensen strikes up a fine understanding with Hugo Ekitike – Frankfurt’s £70 million-rated, 21-goal centre-forward – Dino Toppmoller’s high-flying Eagles head into the run-in with two separate routes into the Champions League open to them.
Leeds United flop Rasmus Kristensen outshines Tottenham captain Heing-Min Son
Frankfurt are currently third in the Bundesliga table. Beat Tottenham Hotspur at the Commerzbank Arena on Thursday night, meanwhile, and they will reach the semi-finals of the Europa League too.
Kristensen was one of Frankfurt’s star performers in the first-leg in North London. As far as Toppmoller is concerned, it was largely down to him that Spurs captain Heung-Min Son found himself stuck on the periphery throughout.
“Rasmus played a really good game against Tottenham. That should be the benchmark for [the second leg] game,” Toppmoller says.
“[Heung-Min Son] is a top player, but we had him well under control. Rasmus played a really good game against Tottenham, and that should be the benchmark for the return leg.
“We’re happy that we have two players in that position, Rasmus and [Nnamdi] Collins, who have proven time and again throughout the season that they are top players for our team.”
Kristensen delighted as he secures Eintracht Frankfurt transfer
Whether Kristensen has made great strides since falling out of favour at Leeds, or whether he is just benefitting from a fresh start in a poorer-quality league while coming up against an ageing and past-his-best Son, well that is all up for debate.
What cannot be questioned, however, is Leeds’ desire to get rid and Frankfurt’s relief to get a permanent deal across the line.
“Rasmus impresses not only with his footballing qualities but also with his strong mentality,” says sporting director Markus Krosche. “He has become a very important part of our team, and we are pleased that he is staying with Eintracht Frankfurt for the long term.”
“I felt very comfortable in Frankfurt from the start,” Kristensen adds, signing a contract until the summer of 2029. “And my family has also settled in very well here.
“I fought hard to be able to play for Eintracht longer, and I want to repay the trust placed in me with continued good performances. I’m eager for the final stretch of the season and for the future in Frankfurt.”
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