Barcelona are nearing a contract agreement with Andreas Christensen, who is currently out of contract at the end of the season. The 30-year-old Danish defender recently returned to fitness after a prolonged spell on the sidelines, but has featured sparingly this season.
Christensen has not yet committed to an extension, and while there has been limited reported interest from other clubs, he has been keen to remain with Barcelona. However, he recently rejected an initial contract offer from the club, reportedly due to concerns over the proposed wages, according to MD.
Despite this, the same report indicates that the two parties are now close to reaching an agreement. The potential new contract is believed to be for two seasons, with Christensen prioritizing a stay at Barcelona despite potentially higher salary offers elsewhere. His family is settled in Barcelona, and a move away from the city is not desired.
Barcelona are reportedly covering themselves with the potential renewal of Christensen, and could consider a sale if they successfully bring in a high-profile central defender. Inter Milan’s Alessandro Bastoni has been identified as a target to strengthen the backline, but Barcelona’s financial situation and salary limit space remain uncertain.
This season has been significantly disrupted by injury for Christensen, limiting him to just 17 appearances and a total of 515 minutes played. He has scored one goal for the club this season, with only four of his appearances coming as starts. Manager Hansi Flick has publicly praised Christensen’s professionalism, but the defender’s fitness issues have impacted his contribution on the pitch. Three of his four seasons at Barcelona have been significantly affected by injuries.
Securing a new contract for Christensen would provide Barcelona with a reliable, if injury-prone, option in central defence, while a potential sale could free up funds for other targets.
