- Aston Villa are reportedly keeping a close eye on Udinese defender Thomas Kristensen
- The player has expressed his desire to “move to a bigger club”
- His price has been set at €25 million (£21.6 million)
Aston Villa are heading for a big squad refresh this summer, and they have added Udinese defender Thomas Kristensen to the list of summer targets. The defender is keen for a move away from the Bianconeri due to his desire to play in a European competition.
TuttoMercatoWeb has reported Villa as one of “several Premier League clubs” interested in the 24-year-old, as well as AC Milan, who have “repeatedly monitored” him this season.
With two years left on his contract, this summer could be the last time Udinese could receive a decent fee for him, and so they have set a price tag of €25 million (£21.6 million).
Kristensen joined the Serie A side from AGF, who play in Denmark, for €5 million (£4.2 million) in September 2023.
In that time, he’s been a key player for them, making 78 appearances in all competitions.
Contract renewal on the table
In an interview with Campo, the Danish centre-back revealed the Italian club wants to extend his contract, and has made a renewal offer that he is yet to make a final decision on.
“Yes, I can confirm that (Udinese wants to extend). It’s not the first time that this has happened. They came after a year and a half.
“The situation is that we had a plan when I arrived that I would play for a period, and then be able to make a jump from there again. So it is clear that it is in our plans that the step should be taken further.
“When that will be, we will have to see. But yes, there has been some contract extension talk and some proposals there, yes.
“In the short term, it’s quite likely that the next step should be to a bigger club, perhaps one playing in Europe. I wouldn’t rule that out.
“Things are open, so it’s hard to say, but in any case, a move to a bigger club is clearly the step I see myself taking.”
Aston Villa suit his desire
Given the likelihood of Villa playing in the Champions League next season, they make an attractive place for Kristensen to move to.
Furthermore, the Villans’ need to bring in younger players means the 6ft 5in powerhouse fulfils their desire as well.
It is likely the centre back department will be reshuffled in the summer, with Tyrone Mings the most obvious to depart. However, should a reasonable offer come in for Ezri Konsa, then Villa may also consider selling the 28-year-old.
Ultimately, as Villa look to refresh their ageing backline and continue playing in European competitions, Kristensen’s age and wish for “a move to a bigger club” align perfectly with the club’s trajectory. At €25 million, he is a smart investment for someone who still has the potential to improve drastically.
