Leeds United player reveals wage 'embarrassment' ahead of stick-or-twist Elland Road decision

The international full-back is currently at the European Championships with Denmark with whom he has qualified for the Round of 16 in Germany after spending the 2023/24 campaign on loan at Italian giants AS Roma.

Kristensen was one of several Leeds players who exercised a loan release clause in his Elland Road contract following relegation from the Premier League last May, which permitted the 26-year-old to spend the following campaign in Serie A whilst avoiding a mandatory wage reduction that was also written into players' Leeds deals in the event of relegation.

The Dane's club career is currently in limbo with a loan return to Roma a possibility but far from guaranteed. Kristensen featured 31 times for the Giallorossi last season but following the appointment of new sporting director Florian Ghisolfi, it is not known whether he will be as sought after now as under the previous regime.

An obvious solution to Kristensen's club conundrum would be a return to parent club Leeds, although that would include representing the club in the Championship which is likely to impact his selection for the national team. This summer, Kristensen is yet to make an appearance at Euro 2024, forced to bide his time on Kasper Hjulmand's substitutes bench throughout their three group stage matches.

Regarding his Elland Road salary, Kristensen said in a recent interview with Danish channel TV Midtvest: "It is not me who decides how much money I earn. I am offered a contract, and then I just politely say yes, thank you. But it's crazy that there is so much money in football.

"I can be embarrassed that we as footballers earn so much. I'm actually ashamed sometimes."

Kristensen arrived at Elland Road from FC Red Bull Salzburg in the summer of 2022 and is thought to be one of Leeds' top earners given his loan exit and full salary coverage by Roma meaning he did not receive a post-relegation pay-cut, unlike much of the squad that remained.

Kristensen also believes individuals working more mainstream professions should earn more than footballers, given their comparative societal impact.

"I don't really do anything important, and it's hard to say what I actually contribute to society," the 26-year-old said. "The only argument I have for us making so much money is that football means a lot to a lot of people. And here in Italy, football is almost on a par with religion."

Following Denmark's participation at Euro 2024, Kristensen will hold talks with the Elland Road hierarchy to decide where he will ultimately play his football during 2024/25. Fellow loan clause escapee Brenden Aaronson has already committed himself to Leeds for the upcoming season, while Marc Roca sealed a permanent move to Real Betis where he spent last term on loan. Jack Harrison has also gone back out on loan to Everton for another season.