At Barcelona, it is necessary to let players go. Joan García has signed and Nico Williams is on his way, so making room under the salary cap is a priority for Deco. The Azulgrana are clear about the moves they need to make and have made a decision. In defense, there is a center back surplus, and Andreas Christensen has been chosen to leave. The center back has had a difficult year with hardly any playing time, and the club wants to let him go, especially since he is entering the final year of his contract.
A difficult year
The Danish center back has not had an easy season. Injuries have marked a year in which his absence from the pitch has been the norm. The player went down in the first games of the season and when he returned after months of absence, he relapsed and was unavailable until the last games of the season. In fact, the player had not played for eight months when he returned to action in the Champions League match against Inter Milan. It was not a return with continuity, as competition in the center of defense is fierce, with Pau Cubarsí and Iñigo Martínez forming the starting pair. In addition, Eric García seems untouchable due to his great versatility, and then there is Araújo, who is currently ahead of the Danish center back.
Options for leaving
Despite his lack of playing time, the center back has a market, and a specific one at that. One of his main options is Saudi Arabia, which already wanted him in the winter transfer window, but the player is not attracted to the Saudi Pro League as he wants to continue playing at the highest level. In fact, Sport reports that Christensen has rejected offers from Saudi Arabia and has opened the door to Milan if he does not convince Flick.
He wants to play in Spain or Italy, as he prioritizes the level of football and comfort for his family over money.
According to the aforementioned source, AC Milan sent an offer to Christensen during the winter transfer window, but it was rejected. They could return in the summer, and Barcelona would be open to letting him go, as they need space and the player is surplus to requirements as Flick’s fifth center back.
The other option is Araújo
If the player does not find a destination or refuses to leave, the other option that could be considered is Ronald Araújo. The Uruguayan signed a contract renewal that included a clause whereby, from July 1, his release clause will be reduced to €65 million for a period of 10 days. This is a very attractive price for several European league teams that are after the center back. In principle, both the club and the coach have no intention of letting the player go, but nothing is ruled out due to the financial situation.
A necessary departure
Space must be made to register Joan García and Nico Williams, in principle the only two moves expected in the transfer market. FC Barcelona hopes that the departures currently being negotiated will create enough space. In other words, Ansu Fati, Pau Víctor, Pablo Torre, Iñaki Peña, Christensen, Oriol Romeu, and/or Ter Stegen must be let go. If all these deals are completed, there would be enough room for the two new signings.