Leicester City are in talks with Panathinaikos over Victor Kristiansen. The Greek club are working on a deal to take the defender away from the Foxes following relegation to League One.
Danish newspaper Tipsbladet reports Panathinaikos have entered negotiations with Leicester over the 23-year-old left-back. The proposed agreement is said to be a season-long loan with an option to buy.
Interest from the Greek side first emerged over the weekend. However, the Danish outlet now states discussions between the two clubs are underway as Panathinaikos try to make progress on an agreement.
The move would see Kristiansen reunite with Jacob Neestrup. He is the manager who played a key role in his rise at FC Copenhagen before Leicester signed him in January 2023.
Neestrup reunion on the cards
Victor Kristiansen enjoyed some of the best football of his career under Neestrup in Denmark.
Their work together ultimately helped earn the defender a move to Leicester City. The Premier League club paid a package worth up to €20m (£17.1m) for his signature. The fee was considered a record sale for FC Copenhagen at the time.
According to Tipsbladet, Neestrup is now trying to bring the left-back to Athens. Panathinaikos are preparing for a season which could include European competition.
The report suggests a move would also help Kristiansen’s international ambitions. After Leicester’s drop into League One, playing at a higher level is viewed as important. This is crucial if he is to remain part of Denmark’s plans.
Leicester City face key decision
Victor Kristiansen has two years remaining on his Leicester City contract, meaning the club still retain control over his future.
That makes the structure of the negotiations particularly interesting. Panathinaikos are currently discussing a loan deal rather than an immediate permanent transfer. In addition, they are seeking a purchase option as part of the agreement.
From Leicester City’s perspective, allowing Kristiansen to spend a season elsewhere could help preserve or even increase his value. This is especially true if he performs well in Greece under a manager who already knows him well.
For now, Tipsbladet report intensive work is taking place behind the scenes to try to bring the defender to Athens. The prospect of a reunion with Neestrup appears to be driving the negotiations forward.
