In Barcelona, it is becoming clear that the door that initially seemed closed for a large part of the squad may have to be opened for several reasons. On the one hand, the Barça management is realizing that in order to sign players such as Luis Díaz or Nico Williams, they will have to let some players go, but not just any players. The players discarded by Hansi Flick have barely played all season, so their departures from the club will not involve big transfers. More is needed, and there are new players on the transfer list.
Christensen and the temptation of Saudi Arabia
There is one player who has not been discarded by Hansi Flick, who has seen things in him that he likes, but who has nevertheless had very little playing time due to constant injuries. We are talking about Andreas Christensen. The Danish center back has spent practically the entire year in the infirmary, and for this reason, his age, and the fact that his contract expires next year, the club could consider letting him go in the form of a transfer.
The Dane had not played at all in 2025 until he returned to the pitch for a few minutes against Inter Milan in the Champions League after eight months out. Despite his lack of playing time, the center back has a market, and Saudi Arabia in particular could make him a very attractive offer financially. The Saudi Pro League, which already wanted him in January, has not given up and will make offers this summer. At the moment, there is nothing concrete, but his departure is by no means ruled out.
Araújo and a juicy clause
His partner in central defense, Ronald Araújo, also has an uncertain future. The Uruguayan has not enjoyed the desired prominence with the rise of Pau Cubarsí and Iñigo Martínez. In addition, he was heavily criticized for his role in the semifinal against Inter Milan. Initially, the club had placed all its trust in the player and closed the door on a move, but Barça’s need to bring in at least $50-60 million this summer could change everything.
The player’s departure has a key factor, which is his release clause. Araújo signed a new contract this year, which included a clause stating that at the start of the transfer window, his release clause would drop to €65 million in the first 10 days of the window, making him a very attractive asset in the transfer market.
Barcelona considers alternatives
Faced with the possible departure of one or both center backs, Barcelona is considering alternatives with the premise that the transfer fee should not be high and that the player should have enough talent to compete for a place in the current squad. In this regard, Kevin Lomónaco, a 23-year-old Argentine center back with a starting price of around €20 million, has been linked with the Azulgranas. “If Araujo and Christensen leave, there is a player that Barcelona is interested in, who is one of Argentina’s great gems. He is already an international, like Mastantuono. It’s Kevin Lomónaco,” said Eduardo Inda on El Chiringuito de Jugones. No moves have been made in this regard yet, but he is a player to keep an eye on given what may happen once the transfer window opens.