Frankfurt full back Rasmus Kristensen is set to leave Eintracht Frankfurt ahead of schedule and return to his youth club FC Midtjylland for the new season due to "family reasons," the German side announced on Tuesday.
"It was not easy to let him go, but we had no desire to prevent him from fulfilling his wish and agreed to his departure once we had negotiated with Midtjylland," Frankfurt board member for sport Markus Krösche was quoted as saying in a statement.
"We would like to thank Rasmus for his commitment and wish him all the best for the future in his sporting and his personal life."
In return, 18-year-old Midtjylland striker Malik Pimpong is set to transfer to Frankfurt, the German club announced in a separate statement.
Pimpong has signed a contract until June 30, 2031, it said.
"Malik Pimpong is a young player who brings with him a lot of talent and potential," said Frankfurt sporting director Timmo Hardung. "The important thing now is to give him the time and space to get used to Eintracht Frankfurt, our structure and his new surroundings."
Frankfurt did not provide further details on the deal.
Kristensen's contract with the Bundesliga side had been due to run until June 30, 2029.
"It’s bittersweet to be leaving Eintracht – I’ve really come to love the club," the Danish international was quoted as saying in the statement.
"But at the same time, I want to be much closer to my family again and continue my career back home."
Kristensen joined Frankfurt on loan from Leeds United in mid-2024 and quickly established himself as an undisputed first-team regular. The 28-year-old was signed on a permanent basis last year and has made 71 competitive appearances for Frankfurt.
"I had a fantastic time here both on and off the pitch, and it’s one that I’ll never forget," he said. "My son was born here in Frankfurt and that is something that will always connect us with this fantastic city."
