A Europa League club are now expected to sign a Leeds United player this summer, with a deal potentially set to amount to just £5m, according to a report.
Leeds’ summer transfer plans
With promotion from the Championship now looking increasingly likely, Leeds have started to make plans for the summer transfer window, and they are looking to strengthen their squad in a number of different areas.
Amid doubts about Illan Meslier, there is a feeling the Whites could trigger the relegation release clause in Aaron Ramsdale’s Southampton contract, while they also “really like” Borussia Monchengladbach defender Nico Elvedi, who is now open to a move.
Should Daniel Farke‘s side go all the way and achieve promotion to the Premier League, they could make a move to sign Tottenham Hotspur’s Manor Solomon on a permanent basis, with Southampton striker Cameron Archer also of interest.
Related
10 goalkeepers Leeds could sign to replace Illan Meslier
The 49ers and Farke may want to replace the Frenchman in the summer.
If a return to the Premier League is secured, Farke will be tasked with strengthening his squad, which means there may have to be some departures to help fund the manager’s summer transfer business.
According to a report from SportBILD (via Sport Witness), Eintracht Frankfurt are now expected to sign Rasmus Kristensen on a permanent basis at the end of the season, at which point his loan spell at the German club comes to an end.
The Europa League side are planning for next season with Kristensen in mind, and there is a feeling they will be able to get a deal done on the cheap.
When Frankfurt initially agreed to sign the defender on loan, they agreed a purchase clause of €15m (£12m), but they are now hoping to sign him for around €6m (£5m).
|
Leeds United’s upcoming Championship fixtures |
Date |
|
West Bromwich Albion (h) |
March 1st |
|
Portsmouth (a) |
March 9th |
|
Millwall (h) |
March 12th |
|
Queens Park Rangers (a) |
March 15th |
|
Swansea City (h) |
March 29th |
Kristensen needs to move on
It would be fair to say the Dane struggled to make an impact at Elland Road, being dubbed a “League One defender” during his time with Leeds in the Premier League, but he has impressed since leaving on loan.
The 27-year-old was lauded as “incredible” by former AS Roma manager Jose Mourinho during his time in Italy, and he has since gone on to become an important player for Frankfurt, making 20 appearances in the Bundesliga this season.
Given that the right-back is flourishing in Germany, Leeds may be able to command a fee higher than £5m in the summer, which would provide the funds to strengthen other areas of the squad. However, the most important thing is to get him off the books.
If Kristensen’s previous performances in the Premier League are anything to go by, he will be little help for Leeds next season, at which point Farke’s side are likely to be back in the top flight, where avoiding relegation will be the aim.
