The summer is still young for Leeds United, yet the recent arrival of RB Salzburg star Brenden Aaronson could be followed by the acquisition of his former Danish teammate Rasmus Kristensen in the coming weeks, according to a report from Phil Hay.
Right-back did not initially appear to be a position of major concern for Leeds as they battled to preserve their place in the Premier League, with Luke Ayling remaining first-choice, Stuart Dallas providing backup where needed and Cody Drameh impressing on loan with Cardiff City; but long-term injury layoffs for Ayling and Dallas have made new additions to the position potentially paramount ahead of the upcoming campaign.
Leeds have an opening bid ready for Rasmus Kristensen. Talks ongoing with RB Salzburg, negotiations are concrete - he’s the fav right-back in the list as per @PhilHay_ ⚪️ #LUFC
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 31, 2022
Personal terms not an issue - Leeds want Kristensen after Aaronson deal completed with RB Salzburg.
Jesse Marsch’s side have shown interest in Aberdeen’s teenage right-back Calvin Ramsey, but it is believed the Scotsman would likely favour a move to fellow suitors Liverpool, who came close to securing a quadruple of trophies this season in their attempt to establish domestic and European dominance.
Kristensen, 24, has previously plied his trade with Danish club FC Midtjylland and Dutch giants Ajax before settling with Austria’s dominant force in Salzburg. He has registered 24 goals and 44 assists in 225 appearances across his competitive career, and is currently valued at over £13m by Transfermarkt, with £10m thought to be enough to gain his signature.
Rasmus Kristensen this season (all competitions):
— Leeds Xtra (@Leeds_Xtra) May 31, 2022
Position: Right-Back.
Games: 44
Goals: 10
Assists: 8
Ball Recoveries p90: 7.3
Chances Created p90: 1.3
Interceptions p90: 1.2
Duels Contested p90: 9.8
Crosses p90: 3.5
Aerial Duel Success: 72%
Talent. #LUFC pic.twitter.com/6sRQzFsuih
The Danish international is considered to be an aggressive and defensive full-back, which could benefit Leeds under Marsch’s system that tends to leave the Whites’ wide defenders exposed, which All Stats Aren’t We’s Josh Hobbs explained on Twitter.
Premier League rivals Brentford and German outfit Borussia Dortmund are also believed to be monitoring Kristensen, who has an eye for goal and has scored more goals than any other defender in the Austrian top-flight this season, partly thanks to his two-footed nature and aerial prowess.
He played under Marsch for two years at Salzburg, with the American manager describing Kristensen as one of the club’s best players at the time.
What qualities does Rasmus Kristensen possess?
— BBC Sport West Yorkshire (@BBCWYS) May 31, 2022
Lee Wingate from @OtherBundesliga tells all about the RB Salzburg right-back linked with Leeds United.
Full interview
➡️ https://t.co/W1QmR0IW27#lufc #bbcfootball pic.twitter.com/CmXdJq00oA
Would you like to see Kristensen in Leeds United colours next season? Who would be your preferred choice at right-back? Let us know by commenting below, voting in our poll and engaging with us over on Twitter!
Poll
Out of the following, who would you prefer to be Leeds’ first choice right-back next season?
This poll is closed
-
70%
Rasmus Kristensen
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6%
Luke Ayling
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22%
Cody Drameh
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