Udinese centre-back Thomas Kristensen has opened the door to a summer move amid concrete interest from Aston Villa, AC Milan, and Juventus. The 24-year-old Danish defender, who is currently under contract in Italy until 2028, is understood to be valued at approximately €25 million (£21.6m) by the Serie A side. Speaking to Danish outlet Campo/TV2, Kristensen confirmed that his long-term career plan involves a step up to a larger club, following 18 months of rapid development in Udine since his €5 million move from Aarhus GF in September 2023.
Kristensen addresses transfer speculation and Udinese future
Despite Udinese's attempts to secure Kristensen to a new contract—aimed at increasing his current €400,000 annual salary and protecting his market value—the player appears focused on a departure. "In the short term, it's quite likely that the next step should be to a bigger club, perhaps one playing in Europe," Kristensen told Campo/TV2. The 6ft 5in defender noted that the move was part of a pre-existing strategy established when he arrived in Italy. Previous reports from Messaggero Veneto indicate that Aston Villa, Tottenham, and Nottingham Forest have all tracked the player's progress, though Udinese’s recent intensification of renewal talks suggests they are preparing for significant summer bids.
Strategic fit for Unai Emery’s defensive rotation
Aston Villa’s pursuit of Kristensen aligns with a broader squad overhaul as the club looks to secure long-term depth for Champions League football. With Tyrone Mings entering the final year of his contract and the club seeking younger, aerially dominant profiles, Kristensen represents a specific tactical fit. His valuation has increased fivefold since arriving in Serie A, a reflection of his status as a reliable ball-winning starter in one of Europe’s most defensively demanding leagues. While AC Milan and Juventus provide domestic competition for his signature, Villa’s ability to offer Premier League wages and immediate European involvement may prove decisive. The Danish international’s physical profile and comfort in a high defensive line make him a logical successor to Villa’s ageing auxiliary options.
Negotiations are expected to accelerate once the Serie A season concludes, with Udinese unlikely to stand in the player's way if their £21.6m valuation is met.