Leeds United are eyeing up a deal to bring another Jesse Marsch favourite to the Premier League with Red Bull Salzburg flyer Rasmus Kristensen a target, as reported by The Athletic.
10 goals and eight assists in 44 games; Not exactly numbers you would usually associate with a right-back, even in the Trent Alexander-Arnold era.
Yes, the Austrian Bundesliga cannot hold a candle to the English Premier League but, while statistics can only tell you so much, Kristensen is clearly the sort of swashbuckling full-back that gets fans perma-perched on the edge of their seats.
And the Denmark international, who won a league and cup double under Marsch in 2020/21, has already made it clear that he plans to graduate one of Europe’s most feted finishing schools before the summer is out.
“This will be my third season (at Salzburg) this summer,” the £10m-rated Kristensen said earlier this year.
“It’s what makes me want to try something new and reach an even higher level to test myself.”
What’s more, the former Ajax youngster hopes to force his way into the Denmark squad ahead of the Qatar World Cup. A move to the Premier League – arguably the biggest of stages, as far as club football is concerned – will do his hopes of catching Kasper Hjulmand’s eye no harm at all.
Will Leeds United land Rasmus Kristensen as well as Brenden Aaronson?
Kristensen is reportedly a target for Borussia Dortmund, Brentford and West Ham United too.
The presence of Marsch on the Elland Road touchline could give Leeds an advantage, however, as they look to bring in some much-needed competition for the crocked Luke Ayling.
This is despite Cody Drameh’s outstanding form out on loan at Cardiff City.
“He’s one of our best players,” Marsch said of Kristensen during their trophy-laden time together in Austria. “(He) has developed enormously over the past two years.”
Leeds have already signed one Salzburg star this summer, stumping up £28 million for playmaker Brenden Aaronson.
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