News Focus
- Danish centre-back signs new deal until 2028 despite fitness struggles
- Agreement includes significant salary reduction for the 30-year-old
- Hansi Flick’s backing proves crucial to decision to keep defender
- Renewal likely ends Barcelona’s interest in signing Alessandro Bastoni
FC Barcelona have agreed to keep Andreas Christensen at the club for two more seasons. The Catalan giants will extend the Danish centre-back’s contract until 2028.
The decision surprises many supporters. Christensen has spent most of the past two years on the treatment table. He has played just 23 matches during this period. This season, he managed only 515 minutes on the pitch.
The 30-year-old joined Barça from Chelsea on a free transfer four years ago. He has made 97 appearances in total since his arrival.
President Joan Laporta first suggested a new deal in January. Manager Hansi Flick has also praised the defender publicly. Both men want Christensen to form part of their future plans.
The player rejected offers from Saudi Arabia to remain in Spain. He accepted a lower wage to secure the extension. Talks between the club and his representatives lasted several months.
This renewal may affect Barcelona’s summer transfer strategy. The club already has Pau Cubarsi, Ronald Araujo and Gerard Martin at centre-back. Eric Garcia might switch to right-back next term. With Christensen staying, Barcelona may not sign a new central defender. Interest in Inter Milan’s Alessandro Bastoni has cooled as a result.