Andreas Christensen’s future at Barcelona is approaching a decisive moment. The Danish defender is entering the final stretch of his contract with the club, which expires on 30 June.
The 30-year-old centre-back, who has recently returned from a serious knee injury, is yet to make a decision on his next move.
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Barcelona keen on Christensen renewal
However, according to SPORT, despite his long injury history, Barcelona are determined to keep Christensen at the Spotify Camp Nou.
The club’s intention is to offer Christensen a one-year renewal with the option of extending for an additional season.
At first glance, the decision may seem surprising given the defender’s recurring fitness problems. However, the Blaugrana believe there are strong sporting and personal reasons to continue with the 30-year-old centre-back.
Laporta and Flick in favour
Laporta wants to renew Christensen. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
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Barcelona president-elect Joan Laporta has played a major role in pushing for Christensen’s renewal being considered.
Laporta decided back in December that Barça should extend the defender’s contract after he suffered another serious setback.
Laporta’s stance was driven partly by loyalty. Christensen has always been viewed internally as a highly professional player with an impeccable attitude, and the president-elect did not want the club to abandon him during another difficult injury period.
Meanwhile, manager Hansi Flick has also strongly backed Christensen’s continuity. The German coach considers the Dane one of the best defenders in the squad when fully fit.
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Flick values Christensen’s tactical intelligence, calmness in possession and versatility, especially his ability to operate both as a centre-back and as a defensive midfielder.
Deco has doubts
Injury problems creating doubts. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
Despite the support from Laporta and Flick, sporting director Deco still has reservations about Christensen’s physical reliability.
Barcelona are aware that the defender is especially sensitive to pain and prone to muscular discomfort, issues that have followed him throughout his career.
Even so, those problems did not prevent him from succeeding at elite clubs such as Chelsea and Barcelona, nor from becoming a key figure for Denmark’s national team.
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The next move belongs to Christensen himself. Barcelona’s offer includes reduced financial terms and only guarantees one additional season initially. The defender must now decide whether to accept the proposal or explore opportunities elsewhere.
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