Cody Drameh transfer U-turn spells danger for Rasmus Kristensen future at Leeds United
A penny for Rasmus Kristensen’s thoughts after news broke that Leeds United were doing all in their power to keep hold of Cody Drameh this summer.
Fabrizio Romano reported on Wednesday evening (17 May) that the Whites were fighting hard to ward off transfer interest from Luton Town while other Premier League and European clubs were monitoring the situation of the right-back closely.
The U-turn on Drameh’s situation would have come as a pleasant surprise to Leeds fans, with the defender set to leave the club last January and at one point not looking likely to be offered a contract extension. [Yorkshire Evening Post, 28 November]
The 21-year-old was eventually sent on loan to Luton Town, a temporary move that could be set to end in crowning glory later next week as the Hatters take on Coventry City in the playoff final.
However, with Leeds already possessing both Luke Ayling and Kristensen at right-back, one of these players is likely to become an expendable asset if Drameh does indeed return to Elland Road in the summer.
Three simply doesn’t fit into two.
Since signing for the Whites in a big-money £10million deal from Red Bull Salzburg last summer, the Denmark international has struggled to settle into Premier League life, playing a major role in a defence that has shipped a league-high 71 goals from just 36 games.
And although Luke Ayling hasn’t exactly set the world alight with his performances this campaign, the club pledged their colours to his side by extending his contract until the end of the 2024 season.
With the Whites veteran all but guaranteed to stay in West Yorkshire, regardless of whether the club are playing Premier League or Championship football next season, the most likely outcome is that Kristensen is put on the summer chopping block.
Despite showing flashes of quality, the 25-year-old simply hasn’t cut the mustard in his single season of Premier League football.
Leeds must take a ruthless approach to the summer transfer window if they maintain their top-flight status, and bringing Drameh back into the fold at Kristensen’s expense looks like a clear upgrade.
In other Leeds United news, the club could launch legal action against the Premier League amid widespread upset over their management of a tricky situation.