Leeds confirmed the arrival of their second summer signing in Rasmus Kristensen on Wednesday – and Victor Orta made a claim about the defender that will delight Leeds fans, saying he rejected a move to Champions League clubs.
Kristensen, 25, put pen to paper on a five-year deal amid a busy schedule of UEFA Nations League matches with Denmark. Granted a day of rest by Denmark’s manager, he flew to Yorkshire to thrash out a deal.
Passing a medical on Wednesday morning, Leeds confirmed a deal by 5pm – similar to their first signing in Brenden Aaronson. Believed to have cost £10million, it takes Leeds spending to nearly £35million already.
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Kristensen has signed a five-year deal at Elland Road. But Orta says he could easily have joined another side, telling the club’s website Champions League clubs were in the mix to sign the right-back. But he chose Leeds.
“Other teams wanted him, including teams playing in the Champions League in the top five leagues, but he wants to prove himself in the best league in the world and this makes me very happy with the signing.”
Orta: Leeds signing Kristensen rejected Champions League clubs
There were murmurs that German clubs RB Leipzig – Jesse Marsch’s old side – and Borussia Dortmund were looking at Kristensen. Little surprise, after 18 goal involvements during the 2021-22 campaign.
But instead, he has chosen to join a Leeds side that escaped relegation by the skin of their teeth last season. Marsch has reunited with two of his old Salzburg players, two players that he signed during his stint in Austria.
It is a real coup – not only because he rejected Champions League clubs, but because he is a player with Champions League quality. He could give Leeds a new attacking dimension on the right.
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