Rasmus Kristensen loan move delay as Leeds United and Roma negotiate option to buy
AS Roma’s deal with Leeds United for defender Rasmus Kristensen is still underway, but negotiations around an option to buy are stopping the deal’s completion, according to Il Romanista.
The outlet reported (7 July) that while Kristensen is keen on the move and has agreed to the move, the stipulation over the option to buy has delayed the Danish international’s move.
Kristensen is one of multiple midfield targets for Mourinho’s side according to Il Romaninsta, with recent Manchester United loanee Marcel Sabitzer and Eintracht Frankfurt’s Diachi Kamada among other names.
Communication breakdown?
Phil Hay suggested on The Square Ball podcast (19m, 11s) that Kristensen’s move to Roma had not moved forward in the same way that Diego Llorente’s move had.
Perhaps Leeds fans now know the reason.
However, the deal appears to be in quite an advanced stage, so unless the clubs are miles away from a price for the Dane at the end of his loan it would be likely the deal concludes.
Sky Sports Italia report that negotiations between the clubs are healthy. While Leeds are frustrated about many of their players having relegation clauses that allow them to leave on loan, Roma are reportedly trying to find a “friendly and diplomatic solution” for Kristensen.
However, this recent report does little to reassure Leeds fans that the deal will happen, but Leeds are not necessarily in a strong negotiating position and with Kristensen keen on the move they will want to get it done sooner rather than later.
Roma will be keen to get their man too. While not a guaranteed starter in a very strong Roma side, Kristensen’s versatility could allow him to slot in at multiple positions having moved forward into midfield for Leeds last season [Transfermarkt].
Kristensen could be a useful operator for Mourinho’s defence, claiming 2.85 tackles per 90 (89th percentile) and 1.61 interceptions per 90 (93rd percentile) [FBRef], so no doubt the club will want to see him in the Italian capital soon.