Manchester United have reportedly reached out to Barcelona regarding defender Andreas Christensen, even though the Danish international has been sidelined since August due to an Achilles tendon injury.
The 28-year-old played just 26 minutes in Barcelona’s opening LaLiga match against Valencia before aggravating an issue that first troubled him in March. Since then, Christensen has missed 30 matches across all competitions, watching from the sidelines as Barcelona’s early-season momentum faltered. The Catalan giants now sit third in LaLiga, six points behind leaders Atletico Madrid.
Barcelona’s Changing Transfer Stance
According to Spanish outlet SPORT, Barcelona’s decision to retain Ronald Araujo—despite strong interest from Juventus and Arsenal—has led the club to reconsider other potential departures ahead of the January transfer window. Christensen, along with Eric Garcia, has reportedly been identified as a player who could be moved to generate funds.
United’s Defensive Depth
United’s interest in Christensen comes as they navigate their own challenges in the Premier League, where they currently sit 14th. However, the club appears well-covered in the centre-back position, with Harry Maguire experiencing a resurgence alongside options like Matthijs de Ligt, Leny Yoro, Lisandro Martinez, Victor Lindelof, and even full-back Noussair Mazraoui in a back three.
Despite this depth, Christensen’s versatility may be a factor in United’s interest. The Danish defender has also played as a holding midfielder for Barcelona, a position where United already have Manuel Ugarte, Casemiro, Kobbie Mainoo, and Christian Eriksen available.
Financial Pressures at Barcelona
Barcelona’s ongoing financial struggles are likely to force sales in January and beyond. The club recently managed to temporarily register Dani Olmo until April, underscoring their precarious position. Offloading players like Christensen could provide the necessary funds for new signings and salary adjustments.
Conclusion
While United’s inquiry into Christensen’s availability remains at an early stage, the situation reflects both Barcelona’s financial imperatives and United’s potential interest in bolstering their defensive and midfield options. With January approaching, further developments could emerge as both clubs assess their priorities.