Former Chelsea defender Andreas Christensen could be in line for a Premier League return with Newcastle United following the Barcelona defender ‘very closely’.
When La Liga chief Javier Tebas indicated that the cash-strapped Spanish giants would be unable to bring any new players to the Camp Nou until they raise £178 million first, via the Daily Mail, speculation quickly turned to those who’s Barca careers could come under threat.
Raphinha has his fair share of admirers but is a key part of Xavi’s plans. Frenkie de Jong, meanwhile, remains committed to the Catalan giants, much to Manchester United’s chagrin. And it’s hard to imagine anyone meeting Ansu Fati’s reported £90 million price-tag following another season littered with injury issues.
This leaves Christensen, then, in a potentially vulnerable position. A free transfer from Chelsea during the summer of 2022, Christensen has started 15 La Liga games this term; a key part of Europe’s most watertight backline.
But Barcelona, Sport say, cannot entirely rule out a departure for the Denmark international after just one season in Spain. Especially if a deep-pocketed Newcastle side are willing to offer £50 million worth of pure profit.
Newcastle like Barcelona’s former Chelsea defender Andreas Christensen
Newcastle, the report adds, are following Christensen ‘very closely’. Barcelona would rather keep the former Borussia Monchengladbach ace, while Chrisensen himself hopes to stay for the long haul.
Barca’s financial situation is so precarious, however, that nothing – not even the sale of one of Xavi’s most consistent performers – can be totally disregarded.
Newcastle are prioritising a right-footed centre-half this summer. Christiansen, five years Fabian Schar’s junior and a Champions League winner under Thomas Tuchel, fits the bill.
“Christensen,” Xavi says. “Has been extraordinary.”
Antonio Conte, meanwhile, does not have a particularly strong track record for throwing young players into the heat of the action. That he did just that with Christensen – starting the 21-year-old in a massive Champions League tie against (funnily enough) Barcelona back in 2018 – spoke volumes about the centre-halves maturity and confidence.
“I trust Christensen,” Conte told Sky at the time. “I think this player is the present and also for the future for Chelsea. He can also become the captain of this team.”
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