Clear path for Cancelo's signing: LaLiga approves Christensen's departure

The board of FC Barcelona received the green light from LaLiga regarding the long-term absence of Andreas Christensen. The Dane will be out of action for at least four months due to a partial tear of the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee suffered on December 20, prior to the match against Villarreal (0-2).

The club sent all reports to LaLiga's Medical Committee in due time and form, which finally authorized the Blaugrana team to release the center-back, practically for the rest of the 25/26 season. Christensen played 15 games (515 minutes) before getting injured and now frees up 80% of his salary, opening the door for the registration of Joao Cancelo.

Cancelo will undergo his medical on Monday and be presented on Tuesday

Andreas's departure frees up just over 5 million euros in salary mass, enough to offset the little more than 4 'kilos' that the Portuguese full-back's loan would cost. The agreement with Al Hilal was finalized at the beginning of the week, but the 31-year-old full-back's medical examination was ultimately postponed until Monday

The reason had to do with the Spanish Super Cup final against Real Madrid, as well as some pending issues in the six-month contract that the player from Barreiro will sign next Tuesday at President Joan Laporta's office. 

Joao will sign until next June 30, with no purchase option, to play the second half of 25/26. This will be the Portuguese player's second stint with the Blaugrana team, as he also played on loan for the entirety of 23/24, with Xavi Hernández on the bench.

Christensen to renew for one more year with Barça

In Christensen's case, Barça's board plans to offer him one more year of contract, until the summer of 2027. The former Chelsea center-back's contract ends in June, but he has expressed his desire to stay and the club values his commitment and reciprocity in the last two seasons, where he played very little due to two serious injuries.

Andreas arrived on a free transfer in the summer of 2022, has made 97 official appearances for the first team, and **Hansi Flick** values his professionalism and experience. Therefore, the club plans to resolve his continuity shortly, giving the player more peace of mind and confidence to try to recover before the end of the season.