Roma make Rasmus Kristensen U-turn with Leeds United return now expected after £6m+ news
Roma are not expected to make Leeds United right-back Rasmus Kristensen’s loan permanent amid a reported £6million transfer fee, according to Gazzetta dello Sport.
The Italian news outlet reported [21 December, page 22] that the Leeds loanee has been a “flop” since making the temporary move to Italy in the summer and will no longer looking to sign the player on a permanent deal.
It is understood that Roma were prepared to pay at least £6million for the defender’s services due to recent performances, as per Il Romanista. However, that seems to have changed with Kristensen expected to move back to Elland Road this summer.
“Another flop, another player who will leave in June when his loan ends,” Gazzetta dello Sport wrote.
Tough situation for all parties
The 26-year-old has had a mixed career at Elland Road since arriving from RB Salzburg in the summer of 2022. He was an important player throughout the first half of last season but was shunned to the bench more often than not as the Whites were relegated from the Premier League.
With Leeds exiled to the Championship, Kristensen jumped ship to Roma and has not looked back since. However, it has not gone to plan, with his current team unimpressed by his displays.
The Dane’s recent performances looked to have provided a glint of hope for his future with Roma, scoring and assisting in a 2-1 win over Sassuolo. But the club have now made a U-turn on the supposed £6million deal as he is expected to leave Italy at the end of his loan contract.
Although not known for playing on the left-hand side of the pitch, recalling Kristensen from his loan early could be a short-term fix to a full-back problem Daniel Farke is currently having.
With Junior Firpo, Djed Spence and Sam Byram all experiencing injuries this season, and young midfielder Archie Gray deputising at right-back, ending the full-back’s loan deal early could stop Farke from having to delve into the transfer market next month.
It may not be a permanent solution, especially based on his performances this season, but it would ensure Farke has enough cover moving forward this season.
In other Leeds United news, media in Italy have slammed Rasmus Kristensen labelling him Roma’s worst-ever signing