Leeds United Ex-Defender Reveals Mental Health Struggles: Did They Make The Right Call?

Rasmus Kristensen has shared his personal struggles with mental health during his time at Leeds United, revealing how the pressure of Premier League football took a severe toll on his well-being. The Danish defender, who joined from Red Bull Salzburg in 2022 for around £11 million, made 30 appearances during Leeds’ relegation season but admitted to feeling 'completely broken' by the end of the campaign.

His subsequent loan spells at Roma and Frankfurt failed to ease the strain, though fatherhood and a move to Eintracht Frankfurt helped him regain balance. In 2026, he permanently returned to his boyhood club Midtjylland for approximately £5 million, prioritizing stability and family over continued Premier League challenges.

Leeds United’s decision to allow Kristensen’s departure appears justified, both financially and tactically. The club recouped a significant portion of his transfer fee while clearing space for more reliable options at right-back, where Jayden Bogle and James Justin have since thrived under Daniel Farke.

With 11 points from nine games this season, Leeds have stabilized under their new manager, contrasting sharply with their chaotic relegation campaign. The emergence of Bogle and Justin underscores how far the club has progressed since Kristensen’s difficult tenure.