It is turning into a very busy summer for recently relegated English Premier League side Leeds United. Not only have they appointed yet another new manager as they adjust to life back in the second tier of the countries game, but as they battle with the loss of top flight revenues, yet another talented player has departed them this summer – and Italian Serie A side AS Roma have profited from it.
This time last year as the Elland Road club were looking forward and preparing for another year in the Premier League, they paid an officially undisclosed fee for Red Bull Salzburg full back Rasmus Kristensen.
The 26 year old 15 capped Denmark international actually signed a five year contract at the club when he joined them, but having made 30 appearances during their relegation season (he scored three goals as they battled for survival), this weekend the club confirmed that an agreement had been struck with Roma that sees him head to them for the coming 2023/24 campaign on a full season loan spell.
It has not been revealed as to whether there is any kind of optional or obligated buy clause in place for when the loan comes to an expiry.
Kristensen now joins Spaniard centre half, Diego Llorente, in making the switch to the Stadio Olimpico, and he was, of course, with the club in the second half of the last campaign where he made seven appearances, and five substitute showings. He too, has signed a fresh season long loan spell out with the club. Again there is no confirmation as to whether or not Roma could make this spell permanent at the end of the year.
Speaking after the move was announced, Kristensen said.
“I feel like every country is different, every culture is different and every competition is different but it’s something I look very much forward to. I feel like I have the age and the experience to get off to a flying start and to adapt very quickly. There will obviously be things you have to understand and learn when you move to a new place but I’m looking very much forward to it and Italy has always been very appealing to me so in that sense I’m just pleased to be here.”
He added about Roma specifically.
“I’m looking forward to being a part of this. It’s just a feeling of history and greatness that hits you. You can tell that things have been won here, you can tell the club has a great history. I was just hit with enormous admiration for this club and I can’t wait to have my every day life here, I’m looking forward to it. I think Roma is a club you always follow, obviously in my case as well. I wanted to play international games, European games and the success this club has had in recent years just makes you want to play for this club. I think the European success played a big part but also the national competition as well.”
It seems that manager Jose Mourinho’s plans for the year ahead are starting to come together nicely, and there is no reason to feel that Roma are yet done in the transfer market, and there will undoubtedly be a few more new arrivals, and potentially a couple of departures given the rumblings that continue on the rumour mill.
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