Leeds United make late pitch for Rasmus Kristensen deal as people close to negotiation thought Dortmund move was all but done - Phil Hay
People close to negotiations with RB Salzburg defender Rasmus Kristensen believed a move to Borussia Dortmund was "well down the line" before Leeds United rocked up, according to Phil Hay.
The Athletic journalist has reported that the Whites made a late pitch for the Danish international and now appeared to have won the race for his signature.
It is shared that Leeds have agreed personal terms and hope to wrap up the deal with a medical at some stage this week during the latest international break.
Writing in his latest Mailbag for The Athletic, Hay shared what those close to the negotiations were thinking as a move gets ever closer for the Danish international.
"The Rasmus Kristensen transfer from Red Bull Salzburg is well on the way to being finalised," he wrote.
"Terms are agreed and Leeds hope to put him through a medical this week, allowing them to wrap the deal up. It’s been something of a turnaround because it looked until very recently as if Borussia Dortmund would get the Danish right-back.
"People close to negotiations thought a move to Dortmund was well down the line but Leeds managed to make their pitch in a way that got them into the running late on."
Magic.
Victor Orta is having a very productive start to this summer in terms of transfers.
The Spaniard always put together a list of targets per position and is ready to make a move whenever one of those becomes available or even if someone else makes a move.
Leeds did the exact same with Dan James when it looked like he was being made available in the summer of 2021, and they got a deal over the line within days.
Beating Borussia Dortmund to a signing, and one that was well down the line, just proves how huge this club is, with Champions League football virtually turned down for this move.
Kristensen has already admitted how "huge" he knows Leeds are, and a move to work with Jesse Marsch again is clearly something that appeals to the big Dane.
Hopefully, this can be wrapped up as soon as possible and we can eliminate any last-gasp worries of Dortmund returning to the table - what a coup this will be.