Barcelona are reportedly preparing to enter talks over a new contract with defender Andreas Christensen, who attracted interest from Manchester United during the summer.
Barcelona are reportedly prepared to enter talks with Andreas Christensen over a new contract at Camp Nou.
The 28-year-old has endured a difficult start to the 2024-25 campaign, despite his employers sitting proudly at the top of the La Liga standings.
Christensen played 26 minutes of the Catalan club’s opening fixture of the competitive schedule, a narrow 2-1 success away in Valencia at Estadio de Mestalla.
Later in the month the centre-back suffered an Achilles tendon injury, ruling him out until the New Year, with Barca failing to include him in their squad list for the first half of the season as a result.
Since making the high-profile switch from Chelsea to Camp Nou in July 2022, Christensen has made 75 appearances across all competitions for Barcelona, scoring four goals.
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Barcelona to commence Christensen talks following Man United interest?
According to Spanish news outlet Sport, Barcelona are preparing to secure the long-term future of injured defender Christensen.
The report claims that Hansi Flick‘s troops are looking to enter discussions with the Denmark international over a new contract at Camp Nou.
With Christensen’s current terms in Spain expiring during the summer of 2026, Barca are keen to avoid the defender entering the final 12 months of his deal next year.
News of such developments will come as a potential blow to Manchester United, who were linked with a switch for the 28-year-old during the recent summer transfer window.
Targeting a return from his Achilles woes in the New Year, Christensen could feature for Barca during their final two League Phase matches of the revamped Champions League versus Benfica and Europa League holders Atalanta BC across January.
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Man United’s defence is struggling
Following the signings of Matthijs de Ligt, Noussair Mazraoui and Leny Yoro over the summer, Man United’s backline was set to have a fresh look under the stewardship of Erik ten Hag.
However, due to a mixture of unfortunate injuries and form, a centre-back pairing of Jonny Evans and Harry Maguire held down the fort for the Red Devils during the goalless draw at Aston Villa prior to the international break.
Despite conceding a respectable eight goals during their first seven Premier League matches – the same number as Manchester City – it is clear that Man United’s defence is not in the best spot.
Adding to backline issues, Ten Hag remains without a natural left-back at his disposal due to the long-term absences of Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia.