Thomas Kristensen

[THFCSPURS19]

Juventus join race for Tottenham target Thomas Kristensen

Juventus have held discussions over a move for Tottenham and Leicester target Thomas Kristensen.

www.dailymail.co.uk

Juventus join race for Tottenham target Thomas Kristensen - as Italian giants hold talks over a move for Danish defender​

• Udinese defender Thomas Kristensen, 23, has impressed in Serie A this season
• The Danish centre back is the subject of Premier League interest this month

Juventus have held discussions over a move for Tottenham and Leicester target Thomas Kristensen.

Kristensen, 23, plies his trade for Serie A outfit Udinese and has gained rave reviews for his performances in Italy since joining the club in 2023.

The Danish defender has been linked with a transfer this month and Mail Sport understands that Juventus sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli has been in talks in with Kristensen's camp over recent days.

Juventus remain in the hunt for a centre back to replace the injured Gleison Bremer and have been touted with an interest in the likes of Fikayo Tomori, Renato Veiga and Lloyd Kelly alongside Kristensen, with the Italian giants wanting to sign two centre backs this month.

Kristensen also has Premier League admirers however, with both Tottenham and Leicester keen on him.

Spurs are looking for defensive reinforcements amid their dreadful run of form, which has been heightened by troubles at the back - and Mail Sport understands that Kristensen is on their shortlist.

Ange Postecoglou's side now face a battle with Juventus to bring in the Dane in the final two weeks of the window.

Spurs had been offered PSG defender Milan Skriniar, who is out of favour in the French capital, but his high wages proved to be a stumbling block.

Meanwhile, the Foxes are said to be big admirers of Kristensen and held discussions last month over a potential move.

That came following an impressive start to life under Ruud van Nistelrooy, but the Foxes have since lost their last seven Premier League games and languish in 19th place, two points adrift of safety.

Speaking after the weekend's 2-0 defeat by Fulham, Van Nistelrooy had said: 'It's a good start,' when questioned on the addition of defender Woyo Coulibaly from Parma, hinting the Dutchman is desperate for further additions.

In fact, Mail Sport understands that Leicester want around five players this month.

This is particularly pertinent at the back where the Foxes have conceded 48 goals from just 23 games, while Conor Coady, Jannik Vestergaard, Wout Faes and summer signing Caleb Okoli have all struggled for form.

Kristensen made his professional breakthrough with Danish side AGF, the club where Jack Wilshere ended his career, before earning his move to Udinese in 2023.

The centre back has been a regular feature in Denmark's youth teams, racking up 11 caps for their Under 21 side - and is under contract in Italy until the summer of 2028.

 

[yido_number1]

Juventus join race for Tottenham target Thomas Kristensen

Juventus have held discussions over a move for Tottenham and Leicester target Thomas Kristensen.

www.dailymail.co.uk

Juventus join race for Tottenham target Thomas Kristensen - as Italian giants hold talks over a move for Danish defender​

• Udinese defender Thomas Kristensen, 23, has impressed in Serie A this season
• The Danish centre back is the subject of Premier League interest this month

Juventus have held discussions over a move for Tottenham and Leicester target Thomas Kristensen.

Kristensen, 23, plies his trade for Serie A outfit Udinese and has gained rave reviews for his performances in Italy since joining the club in 2023.

The Danish defender has been linked with a transfer this month and Mail Sport understands that Juventus sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli has been in talks in with Kristensen's camp over recent days.

Juventus remain in the hunt for a centre back to replace the injured Gleison Bremer and have been touted with an interest in the likes of Fikayo Tomori, Renato Veiga and Lloyd Kelly alongside Kristensen, with the Italian giants wanting to sign two centre backs this month.

Kristensen also has Premier League admirers however, with both Tottenham and Leicester keen on him.

Spurs are looking for defensive reinforcements amid their dreadful run of form, which has been heightened by troubles at the back - and Mail Sport understands that Kristensen is on their shortlist.

Ange Postecoglou's side now face a battle with Juventus to bring in the Dane in the final two weeks of the window.

Spurs had been offered PSG defender Milan Skriniar, who is out of favour in the French capital, but his high wages proved to be a stumbling block.

Meanwhile, the Foxes are said to be big admirers of Kristensen and held discussions last month over a potential move.

That came following an impressive start to life under Ruud van Nistelrooy, but the Foxes have since lost their last seven Premier League games and languish in 19th place, two points adrift of safety.

Speaking after the weekend's 2-0 defeat by Fulham, Van Nistelrooy had said: 'It's a good start,' when questioned on the addition of defender Woyo Coulibaly from Parma, hinting the Dutchman is desperate for further additions.

In fact, Mail Sport understands that Leicester want around five players this month.

This is particularly pertinent at the back where the Foxes have conceded 48 goals from just 23 games, while Conor Coady, Jannik Vestergaard, Wout Faes and summer signing Caleb Okoli have all struggled for form.

Kristensen made his professional breakthrough with Danish side AGF, the club where Jack Wilshere ended his career, before earning his move to Udinese in 2023.

The centre back has been a regular feature in Denmark's youth teams, racking up 11 caps for their Under 21 side - and is under contract in Italy until the summer of 2028.

Interesting, we seem to be looking at a number of similar targets to Juve

 

[kd2000]

Who now?

 

[fecka]

Don't know much about him other than that he's massive (6ft5) and good with his feet. Surprisingly agile for his size too.

 

[Ghost Hardware]

Good ball playing defender with a eye for a pass. I like him although he isn't a world beater. He's a right footed RCB and plays in a three tho. Believe he played in a back 3 in his previous club as well so maybe some adapting need to swap to a back 4. Not sure how much we really need him currently as he's not an upgrade on our current starting options. But then again I guess Romero is likely off and Radu doesn't fit the system so certainly not a bad depth target (but not a starter).

 

[Fatcat]

If he is one of our long term target it makes sense to get him now if possible, Very much doubt Romero will be with us next season, would have been difficult to keep him after a good season let alone this one

 

[ReadieSpur]

Don't know much about him other than that he's massive (6ft5) and good with his feet. Surprisingly agile for his size too.

so he's got good feet for a big man?

 

[fecka]

so he's got good feet for a big man?

He's got a good touch and a terrific long ball on him for any size of player.
I've seen him step up into midfield at times too so my verdict on the limited minutes I've seen is that he's quite comfortable in possession.

Would need to have another more detailed look though.

 

[CanadaSpurs]

Good ball playing defender with an eye for a pass. I like him. He's a right footed RCB and plays in a three tho. Believe he played in a back 3 in his previous club as well so maybe some adapting need to swap to a back 4. Not sure how much we really need him currently. But then again I guess Romero is likely off and Radu doesn't fit the system so certainly not a bad target.

We play three at the back now though so would make sense with the new direction.

 

[Ghost Hardware]

We play three at the back now though so would make sense with the new direction.

Haha this is true, silly me.

 

[fecka]

Additionally, he slotted in almost straight away and became a regular starter in the Udinese back line after only three games despite coming from Denmark which is a significantly weaker league so he's shown good adaptability. While 100% a CB, he also started a few games in midfield in Denmark.

Most important of all, he's missed about 10 games in the last two seasons with calf problems so he'd fit right in.

 

[tubbygold]

Good ball playing defender with a eye for a pass. I like him. He's a right footed RCB and plays in a three tho. Believe he played in a back 3 in his previous club as well so maybe some adapting need to swap to a back 4. Not sure how much we really need him currently. But then again I guess Romero is likely off and Radu doesn't fit the system so certainly not a bad target.

I imagine most defenders start out playing in a back 4, so don’t feel this should ever be much of an issue.

 

[Strikeb4ck]

He's a very promising player, been pretty solid every time I've seen Udinese this season. One of those bigger defenders that can play on the ball and be effective wider if needed. I'm surprised Brentford aren't in for him considering the Danish connection and how he fits the mold perfectly of one of those wide center backs Frank loves.

 

[Trix]

We play three at the back now though so would make sense with the new direction.

We had 3 at the back, to say we played like it is a stretch though.

 

[wishkah]

We play as many at the back as we have fit. It was 3 at the back this week but depending on Davies hammy it could be 2 at the back again very soon.

 

[Nick-TopSpursMan]

Good ball playing defender with an eye for a pass. I like him. He's a right footed RCB and plays in a three tho. Believe he played in a back 3 in his previous club as well so maybe some adapting need to swap to a back 4. Not sure how much we really need him currently. But then again I guess Romero is likely off and Radu doesn't fit the system so certainly not a bad target.

Good to hear you say he’s good on the ball mate. I looked at his fbref and was very scared by his passing stats. Haven’t watched him though so glad you have given more info on him!

 

[Ghost Hardware]

Good to hear you say he’s good on the ball mate. I looked at his fbref and was very scared by his passing stats. Haven’t watched him though so glad you have given more info on him!

Yeah his stats from the last 365 days will likely look pretty bad because Udinese were absolutely awful last season. I was fairly certain they would go down and it was only really at the end of the season the manage to save themselves. They are currently onto their 3rd manager in two season's. Kosta Runjaić is there current coach and has them performing well above expectations. They have dropped of a little of late but certainly one of the leagues surprise packages. They currently sit 8th in the league. They are more of a direct, longer ball team (although they do try to work the angles rather then hit and hope) but it's not necessarily a system where Kristensen's attributes in this area shine as much hence his rather uninspiring stats but in general he has been good this season hence Juve's interest.

This is a couple of years old now but you can kind of see what type of defender he is. (although as you know, never judge a player by a highlight vid)


As I said I like him. I wouldn't put him at the top of my list or view him as a starter or anything. But as a player I think he is an interesting target. I doubt there is any serious interest tho.

 

[PerScoutDenmark]

He played for my team in Denmark (AGF) a couple of seasons ago. It was a huge shock for most of the fans that he actually went to Udinese in the first place (more specifically, we were surprised that someone was willing to pay a good amount for him). Good lad, but unless something has drastically happened in his development during his spell at Udinese, I don't think he's the answer to any of our problems.

 

[WorcesterTHFC]

Additionally, he slotted in almost straight away and became a regular starter in the Udinese back line after only three games despite coming from Denmark which is a significantly weaker league so he's shown good adaptability. While 100% a CB, he also started a few games in midfield in Denmark.

Most important of all, he's missed about 10 games in the last two seasons with calf problems so he'd fit right in.

He'd need to miss more than 10 games in order to fit in at Spurs.

 

[Ghost Hardware]

He played for my team in Denmark (AGF) a couple of seasons ago. It was a huge shock for most of the fans that he actually went to Udinese in the first place (more specifically, we were surprised that someone was willing to pay a good amount for him). Good lad, but unless something drastically has happened in his development during his spell at Udinese, I don't think he's the answer to any of our problems.

I can't say I ever saw him at AGF so interesting to read. What system did you guys play at that point? Was it more possession or defensive. I read somewhere that he was used at RCB but often operated as a hybrid RB?

As I said above I can't really comment on his time prior to his move to Udinese and last season they were a complete mess but this season he has looked good although obviously he had his calf injury. I agree that he isn't really what we need at the moment tho, if Romero goes we need to spend on a proper upgrade and we don't really need a back up RCB Vuskovic with coming in.