Rasmus Kristensen’s journey at Leeds United has been a curious one, marked by moments of promise but ultimately overshadowed by struggles to establish himself as a regular in the first team. Signed from RB Salzburg in 2022 for a significant fee, Kristensen was expected to be a key defensive asset for the club. However, despite his high potential and experience in top-tier European football, his time at Leeds has been frustratingly inconsistent. The Danish international made only 30 appearances during his first season, and his time in England has been hindered by competition for the right-back spot and a lack of sustained form. Following a brief and largely uneventful loan spell at AS Roma, Kristensen now finds himself at Eintracht Frankfurt in the Bundesliga, where he has enjoyed a renaissance, playing regularly and impressing with his performances.

The transformation in Kristensen’s fortunes in Germany has been striking. At Frankfurt, he has flourished, becoming an essential part of the team’s defensive setup and contributing not only on the pitch but also off it, where his leadership and personality have made him a favorite within the squad. Frankfurt’s sporting director, Timmo Hardung, recently emphasized the club’s interest in making Kristensen’s stay permanent, highlighting his importance both as a player and as an influential figure in the dressing room. As quoted by Fussball Transfers on February 17, Hardung said, “We’ll try [to sign Kristensen permanently]. We have him here until June 30th, and we know about Rasmus’ quality. It’s no secret, he has become a big factor off the pitch too. He’s just a good guy who fits in very well with us in the team and the club. Let’s work on it; we still have until at least June 30th.” This statement underscores not only Kristensen’s importance to the current team but also Frankfurt’s determination to secure a permanent deal for him, which speaks volumes about how well he has settled into life at the Bundesliga club.

For Kristensen, the prospect of continuing his career at Frankfurt is enticing, especially given his form and the consistent playing time he has received since moving there. Having struggled for minutes at Leeds, his successful spell at Frankfurt seems to align with his desire to play top-flight football regularly, which has been a clear ambition throughout his career. The chance to play in the Bundesliga, one of Europe’s top leagues, and compete for European spots with Frankfurt could be the ideal situation for him, especially considering the uncertainty surrounding his future at Leeds. His current situation at Frankfurt, where he is viewed as a key figure, stands in stark contrast to his time at Elland Road, where he was relegated to the fringes.

For Leeds United, Kristensen’s success in Germany presents both a challenge and an opportunity. With the club still in pursuit of promotion back to the Premier League, the future of several players is in limbo, and Kristensen is no exception. If Leeds are able to secure promotion to the Premier League, the club would likely look to reinforce their squad with quality players who can help them compete at the highest level. Given his time at Frankfurt, Kristensen may feel that he has outgrown the Championship and would prefer to remain in one of Europe’s top leagues, particularly if Leeds fail to guarantee him a starting spot upon their return to the Premier League.

In the event that Leeds do not achieve promotion, the chances of Kristensen returning to Elland Road would likely be slim. His desire to play at the highest level would not be satisfied in the Championship, and if the club fails to gain promotion, a permanent exit would be a logical step for all involved. Frankfurt’s ongoing interest in making his stay permanent would suit both parties. Leeds would be able to offload a player who has never quite found his place in their system and recoup some of the funds spent on his transfer. Meanwhile, Kristensen would secure a long-term future at a club where he is valued, ensuring that his career continues on an upward trajectory.

The uncertainty over Kristensen’s future is also tied to Leeds’ broader ambitions. The summer of 2025 will be a critical time for the club, whether they are in the Premier League or still competing in the Championship. If Leeds are promoted, they will need to make significant investments to compete at the top level, especially in defense, where improvements are needed. In this case, Kristensen might be considered as part of the squad for the Premier League campaign, but given his success in the Bundesliga and the possibility of a permanent move to Frankfurt, his future at Leeds would likely hinge on the club’s ability to guarantee him a first-team spot in the Premier League.

Conversely, if Leeds fail to achieve promotion, the situation would be very different. Players such as Kristensen, who are looking for regular first-team football at a higher level, would likely be moved on. Kristensen’s sale would likely represent a good opportunity for Leeds to recoup some of their initial investment in him while also freeing up space in the squad for potential signings who could help them mount another push for promotion. In this scenario, a permanent move to Frankfurt would seem like a natural progression for Kristensen, allowing him to continue playing at a high level while Leeds look to rebuild and focus on securing promotion in future seasons.

The key issue for Leeds, however, remains promotion. While the club’s immediate goal is to finish in the top two of the Championship and secure automatic promotion, the outcome of this season will have far-reaching consequences for the club’s future. A failure to secure promotion would mean the club must rethink its squad, including decisions about players like Kristensen. If Leeds do manage to secure a Premier League return, the decision regarding Kristensen’s future would be one of many decisions the club would need to make regarding its squad, but it is likely that his future will be decided in favor of a permanent move away from Elland Road, especially if Frankfurt can come to an agreement.

At this stage of the season, Leeds United’s priority must remain securing promotion to the Premier League. With the race for the top two intensifying, the club cannot afford to be distracted by off-field matters. The futures of players like Kristensen will be determined by the final outcome of this season, and whether Leeds are competing in the Premier League or the Championship next year, the club will need to make significant decisions regarding its roster. As the summer approaches, the situation surrounding Kristensen’s future will become clearer, but for now, Leeds United must focus on finishing inside the top two in the Championship and securing their return to the Premier League.