As Leeds United confirm the first of what could be a few permanent departures this summer, it’s safe to say Rasmus Kristensen won’t be missed by the majority of the Elland Road matchgoers.
Three short lines was all the Championship leaders needed to confirm the departure of a man who, falling between Luke Ayling and Jayden Bogle, will go down as one of the more forgettable signings of recent years.
A right-back who arrived amid big expectations from Red Bull Salzburg and departs via the backdoor with barely a hint of fanfare.
Rasmus Kristensen doubled down on his desire to leave Leeds only a few weeks ago. Not that the Yorkshire giants were ever likely to stand in his way.
Frankfurt reportedly turned the Denmark international’s loan deal into a permanent transfer worth £9 million.
That is less than the fee initially agreed upon last summer – Leeds United wanted closer to £12 million – but the most important thing is that the Elland Road bosses are clearing the decks and freeing up funds for Daniel Farke to reinvest ahead of what should be a summer of Premier League planning.
Leeds United fans react as Rasmus Kristensen joins Frankfurt
Confirming the move via their official website, Eintracht Frankfurt’s sporting director Markus Krosche insists he is ‘pleased’ to secure the full-time addition of a man who has become ‘a very important part of our team’.
Say what you want about Kristensen’s ill-fated spell at Leeds, the Dane could be playing Champions League football next season. While Robin Koch captains Frankfurt into the Bundesliga’s top-four, Kristensen has been a big hit himself at the Commerzbank Arena.
Kristensen struck up a fine understanding with Hugo Ekitike; Frankfurt’s £70 million-rated, 21-goal centre-forward. Three goals and three assists from right-back, meanwhile, is more than he managed in a Leeds shirt.
As far as his now-former employers are concerned, £9 million added to the club’s coffers could come in pretty valuable.
“Gonna miss those balls pumped down the wing to the opposition left back or for a throw in,” one fan chortles, Kristensen likely to be gone and quickly forgotten.
“He was allegedly on a large wage, one of the largest at the club apparently so to get him off the books is huge news,” another adds. Now can we ship off [Jack] Harrison please next, same again.”
“Hallelujah. Good riddance. Massively overrated,” one fan responds as Leeds confirm Kristensen’s exit.
“Came with such promise. Everything went wayward since. Wishing you all the best.”
“Start of selling deadwood hopefully more sells to come.”
Kristensen the first departure from Elland Road ahead of the summer window
The aforementioned Harrison is another who could make way. Everton boss David Moyes is not exactly thrilled with the Leeds loanee’s output – one Premier League goal and no assists this season – and a permanent stay at The Toffees feels pretty unlikely as things stand.
Leeds may also look to find a buyer for Illan Meslier, the under-fire goalkeeper who recently lost his place to Karl Darlow. Junior Firpo, Sam Byram and Joshua Guilavogui, meanwhile, are due to become free-agents.
At least, with Jayden Bogle enjoying one of the most productive debut seasons of any Leeds player in recent memory, the right-back is one area of the squad where big money may not need to be spent.
“Genuinely nowhere near the player Bogle is,” another fan adds of Kristensen. “At times this ‘Viking’ was benched by Ayling. Ta-ra
“How have we managed that!,” one says, presumably surprised to hear of Kristensen’s impressive turn at Frankfurt.
“Perfect, take the loss and move on. Was never good enough for the Premier League unfortunately. Hope we get promoted and invest properly.”
“To get £7 million-plus [for Kristensen] is fantastic business.”
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox
