Following relegation to the Championship, Leeds United were forced to wave goodbye to eight senior players on loan thanks to a clause inserted into contracts by Victor Orta.
The thinking behind it was that Leeds would instantly remove some big Premier League wages. However, it meant The Whites were unable to sell these players and could not block their loan exits two years ago.
Eight players used the clause. Liam Cooper’s message after the 4-1 loss to Tottenham on the final day of the 2022-23 season was clear and eight players called his bluff by using Orta’s clause and jumped ship.
Fast forward two years until now, and five of the eight have now been sold permanently with the latest being announced just this week. Rasmus Kristensen has sealed a permanent move to Eintracht Frankfurt.
Robin Koch reacts as Rasmus Kristensen leaves Leeds permanently
Robin Koch is one of those five to have left permanently after initially using Orta’s loan clause to get out of Elland Road after relegation. Luis Sinisterra, Marc Roca, Diego Llorente and now, Kristensen as well.
Kristensen had gone on loan to Roma, but struggled to make an impact. Two players saw Orta’s clause remain active in 2024, Kristensen using it to join Frankfurt while Jack Harrison signed on for Everton again.
Now, Kristensen has competed a permanent Frankfurt move after a brilliant season in which he’s played a key part in Frankfurt sitting third, pushing to reach the semi-finals of the Europa League against Spurs.
Frankfurt confirmed the news on their official Instagram page (above) and Koch, who has spent the last year with Kristensen after a one-year hiatus following their time at Leeds, posted a wordless reaction.
How much Leeds will receive initially for Rasmus Kristensen deal
Kristensen was one of a number of players who joined Leeds but simultaneously reunited with then-boss Jesse Marsch. Max Wober, Brenden Aaronson and Tyler Adams also got to work with Marsch once again.
Leeds spent £10m for the privilege in 2022, to sign Kristensen. Now, Beren Cross reports on The Athletic that The Whites will receive an initial fee of £5.1m fee, while £2.6m could be received in further add-ons.
While it is incoming cash that Leeds can put on the books this season with Profit & Sustainability Rules always looming, it does mean Leeds have made a loss on Kristensen. He has signed a contract until 2029.
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