Phil Hay suggests Rasmus Kristensen exit deal at Leeds United has hit the skids
Rasmus Kristensen’s move from Leeds United to Roma has failed to progress, according to journalist Phil Hay.
Denmark right-back Kristensen was reportedly set to join Jose Mourinho’s side on loan [Sky Sports Italia], but speaking, to The Square Ball YouTube channel (19m, 11s) the Athletic reporter Hay suggested that the deal has hit a standstill.
Roma are reportedly fans of Kristensen, who after just one season at Elland Road is likely to join the likes of Marc Roca [El Desmarque] and Brenden Aaronson [Florian Plettenberg] and move away from the Championship club.
“Though the others in the background, we wait to see what happens with Rasmus Kristensen and Roma,” Hay said.
“They do like him but that doesn’t seem to have moved forward yet in the way Llorente to Roma has.”
Deal at risk?
While Hay suggests the deal may be at a standstill, no reason has been given so Leeds fans will be left in limbo about the state of the negotiations until an update is provided.
With the 2022 Europa Conference League winners reportedly keen on the loan deal, it would be frustrating for Leeds and Kritensen to see the deal fall through after such advanced talks.
Leeds will be looking to lower their wage bill and reboot the squad ahead of a potentially challenging and important season as they bid to come straight back up to the Premier League under new manager Daniel Farke.
Kristensen could be among the Leeds stars to exit the club on loan after a clause in many players’ contracts allows them to leave on loan after relegation. However, Roma are reportedly very open to the move and willing to “find a more diplomatic and friendly solution” akin to their move for Diego Llorente [Sky Sports Italia].
While Hay’s comments may be cause for concern for Leeds fans, the environment for the move appears very healthy between the two clubs. With the talks at an advanced stage, it seems unlikely that the deal will fall through and Kristensen would relish the chance to play under Mourinho in an exciting Roma side.
Leeds meanwhile will need to identify some defensive reinforcements this summer, especially amid interest from Burnley for right-back Cody Drameh [The Athletic].