As Leeds United navigate the transfer market, they must heed the words of J.R.R. Tolkien and be wary of ‘delving too greedily and too deep’.
Eintracht Frankfurt appears to view Leeds United‘s asking price for Rasmus Kristensen as somewhat high. However, the Yorkshire giants can rightfully argue that these were the terms agreed upon when the Danish international moved to the Commerzbank Arena on loan last summer. If anyone is risking the wrath of Durin’s Bane, or Dino’s Bane in this case, it is Frankfurt.
The Bundesliga high-flyers rubber-stamped the £12.5 million option-to-buy clause in Kristensen’s contract. Now, they are looking to negotiate a lower fee, around £8.5 million, which could prompt Leeds to question if Frankfurt truly understands the economics of football.
Leeds United’s Rasmus Kristensen Deal with Eintracht Frankfurt in Doubt
Rasmus Kristensen has been an “absolute hit” at Frankfurt, as one German publication described. The right-back’s rampaging runs down the flank have been a significant reason behind the team’s impressive third-place standing in the Bundesliga.
The Leeds loanee provided an assist in a victory over Borussia Dortmund and then set up Hugo Ekitike a week later against Hoffenheim. Ekitike, under pressure to replace the goals of Omar Marmoush following his £60 million move to Manchester City, is eager to see Kristensen stay at Frankfurt.
“I love him,” Ekitike smiles, “He’s a good player. Rasmus gave me the perfect pass [against Hoffenheim] and all I had to do was push it over the line. Hopefully, we’ll do that more often.”
Leeds may have few qualms about greenighting a permanent move, as Jayden Bogle has been “outstanding” for Daniel Farke in Kristensen’s absence. However, the Championship leaders are not desperate enough for cash to simply bow down to Frankfurt’s demands and reduce the former Red Bull Salzburg player’s price tag by £4 million.
Germany Icon Lothar Matthäus Sees Kristensen as Example of Frankfurt’s Success
According to BILD, an agreement between Frankfurt and Leeds is now in doubt, with the latter side not pleased with the former’s attempts to shift the goalposts.
“Of course, we would like to continue working with him,” Markus Krosche, Eintracht Frankfurt’s highly-regarded sporting director, said recently. “Our goal is a long-term collaboration with Rasmus. We are very happy with him. He gives us so much, both on and off the field.”
Frankfurt’s recent success, including winning the Europa League in 2022 and being well-placed to seal Champions League qualification in 2025, owes much to Krosche’s supreme work in the transfer market. Whether through selling prized assets for huge fees or snapping up reinforcements at bargain sums, the sporting director has been a key figure in the club’s rise.
Germany legend and former Ballon d’Or winner Lothar Matthäus has praised Frankfurt’s ability to find “pearls” on the transfer market, citing Kristensen as an example of their success.
Leeds United must navigate this transfer saga carefully, ensuring they get the best possible deal for Rasmus Kristensen. While Frankfurt may view the price as high, the Yorkshire giants have the leverage and should not be pressured into accepting a lower fee. As the great J.R.R. Tolkien warned, they must avoid “delving too greedily and too deep” in their pursuit of a favorable outcome.
