Unlike others in the Leeds United squad, Rasmus Kristensen’s future looked relatively clear heading into the summer months. The Denmark international struggled to excel during his first year at Elland Road, but in the days that followed Leeds’ Premier League relegation, he is thought to have doubled down on his commitment to the club.
As Leeds Live reported a few weeks ago, Kristensen is understood to be one of the players who informed Angus Kinnear of their desire to stay and fight to get the Whites back to the top flight. It meant that Leeds were approaching the new campaign with at least one position fully stocked.
Reports of the right-back agreeing to join Roma caught many by surprise, then. The 25-year-old is said to have been a long-term target for the Italian outfit and Kristensen has responded positively to an approach made in the last few days, which is somewhat understandable, given the size and stature of the Stadio Olimpico club.
Read more: 49ers Enterprises have open goal to scratch Leeds United's 6-year itch with first transfer message
The deal is not done with an agreement still be reached with between the two clubs, according to reports, but given the options Leeds already have, there’s no reason to suggest they would be resistant to losing the former Red Bull Salzburg man, just one year after signing him. The Whites still have Luke Ayling contracted for another year, of course, and he’s guaranteed to provide a big presence around Elland Road this season.
But, they also have Cody Drameh on their books and Kristensen’s proposed departure might well end up being the opportunity he has been waiting for at Elland Road. Drameh has cut a frustrated figure over the last couple of campaigns in West Yorkshire.
Despite appearing to tick all the necessary boxes, he has been unable to breakthrough into the first-team picture at United. The odd senior appearance has been thrown his way by Marcelo Bielsa and Jesse Marsch, but the outings have never led to a run in the side.
Consequently, Drameh has been forced to leave Elland Road on loan to get the experience he needs in order to continue his development and he has certainly made the most of his spells away. A stint at Cardiff City during the 2021-22 campaign saw him named the Bluebirds' player of the season, before winning promotion to the Premier League with Luton Town last time around.
It’s no shock to see clubs linked with interest in the 21-year-old, then, with Luton and Burnley amongst those rumoured to be keeping tabs on his situation. However, he has shown a willingness to stay at Elland Road if first-team assurances are given and it seems Kristensen’s exit would leave the door open for him.
Ayling hardly covered himself in glory with some of his performances towards the end of last season and the position is almost certainly up for grabs. That could play perfectly into Drameh’s hands, knowing that a strong pre-season under the watchful eyes of the still-to-be-appointed new manager could be enough to land the chance he has been working towards since joining Leeds from Fulham as a teenager back in August 2020.
Nothing is certain and should an approach be made, Drameh’s head may yet be turned by the chance to step back up to the top flight this season. With just one season left on his current deal at Elland Road, Leeds may find themselves tempted to sell while they can still claim a fee for him.
Should he stay, though, Kristensen’s potential departure appears to clear the path for him to go on and carve out a career for himself in West Yorkshire.
