Due to the number of centre-backs in the squad, Deco expressed the need to sell a centre-back before the start of pre-season. Although all eyes were on Andreas Christensen, the Dane stated that he did not want to leave FC Barcelona. On the Asian tour he scored a great goal against FC Seoul and asks for more opportunities.
The Danish centre-back was not spared from injuries last season. First it was tendinopathy in the left Achilles tendon, which caused him to miss the first half of the season, and then an injury to the soleus of his right leg in March.
Now, fully recovered, he hopes to have more participation in 25/26, remembering that he only played 6 games in 24/25. Iñigo Martínez, who was one of the starting centre-backs for Hansi Flick, will now play for Al-Nassr, where he will be a teammate of Cristiano Ronaldo and Sadio Mané.
Change of plans at Barça: Christensen could renew soon
The departure of the Basque centre-back, however, helps to free up salary mass, although it is still a sensitive blow for the team. In this sense, the German coach, with one less piece in defence, will turn to the Danish centre-back as an alternative for a defence that, in the pre-season, conceded 4 goals in 3 matches.
Christensen's contract expires in 2026. For the sports management of the blaugrana club it is not good to have players in their squad whose contract expires in one year. Iñigo's departure has changed the club's plans and they have considered offering the Dane a renewal so that he does not leave with a letter of freedom once the season is over.
According to information from 'SPORT', there is no rush in the negotiations, which could begin once the summer transfer market is over. What is almost a fact is that the Lillerod native will continue to be a culé in 25/26.
Andreas Christensen rejected offers from the Premier League and Saudi Arabia
Barça's '15' received offers from clubs in the Premier League and the Saudi Pro League, which he rejected. Christensen is firm: he only wants to play for Barça, something he has made very clear on repeated occasions.
The Dane will have to fight for a place with Eric García, Ronald Araujo and Pau Cubarsí. In principle, the latter two start as starters, while Eric would be the first alternative to both. Even Jules Koundé can lend a hand back to his natural position if the coaching staff requires it.
In his three seasons with Barça, Andreas has 4 goals and 3 assists in 80 official matches. Although he has never been an undisputed starter due to different physical problems, both Xavi Hernández and Hansi Flick value his experience and professionalism. The 29-year-old defender arrived on a free transfer in 2022 and has already won two Leagues, two Spanish Super Cups and one Copa del Rey.