Manchester United’s hopes of signing Andreas Christensen from Barcelona appear to be fading, as recent reports suggest that Barcelona is preparing to offer the Danish defender a contract extension.
Despite enduring a challenging start to the 2024-25 season, the 28-year-old remains a key figure in the Spanish club’s defensive setup. Barcelona is keen to avoid the possibility of Christensen entering the final year of his contract, which is set to expire in 2026, and thus are working to tie him down with a new long-term deal.
Christensen has been sidelined for much of the season due to an Achilles injury, limiting his playing time to just 26 minutes in Barcelona’s opening La Liga match against Valencia.
This injury has kept him out of action for the entire first half of the season, and as a result, he was left out of Barcelona’s squad for the group stages of the Champions League. His absence has been a blow to the club’s defensive stability, but Barcelona is still determined to secure his services for the foreseeable future.
Since joining Barcelona on a free transfer from Chelsea in July 2022, Christensen has made 75 appearances for the Catalan side, contributing four goals. His presence has been vital in solidifying Barcelona’s backline, and the club sees him as a cornerstone of their defense moving forward. Therefore, securing a contract extension is seen as a top priority, despite his current injury setback.
This news is likely to be disappointing for Manchester United, who had been eyeing Christensen as a potential signing to bolster their defense. United has faced its own defensive challenges this season, with key players like Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia sidelined by injuries. This has left manager Erik ten Hag relying on veterans such as Jonny Evans and Harry Maguire to fill the gaps. While United has only conceded eight goals in their first seven Premier League matches, there are ongoing concerns about the strength and consistency of their defense, especially with the demands of the season ahead.
Christensen’s ability and experience made him an attractive option for United as they looked to shore up their defensive ranks. However, Barcelona’s intent to keep hold of the Danish international means United may have to explore alternative targets.
Although Christensen is expected to return to full fitness early next year, he is poised to play a crucial role in Barcelona’s European campaign, particularly in key Champions League fixtures against the likes of Benfica and Atalanta.
As Barcelona moves to secure Christensen’s future, Manchester United will need to reassess their defensive transfer strategies.
The Red Devils have shown interest in reinforcing their squad, but with Christensen likely staying at Camp Nou, they will need to turn their attention to other options in the transfer market if they hope to strengthen their backline ahead of the challenges to come.
