After winning the UEFA Champions League, Andreas Christensen was close to signing a new contract with Chelsea last season. The situation was favourable on all sides. But after he changed his agent, his demand increased, and Chelsea were doubtful about renewing his contract on a high salary. The Danish defender’s contract ends in the summer of 2022.
As soon as the news of rejecting a new contract was reported, many top European clubs approached Christensen. In the winter transfer window, there were rumours that Chelsea might sell in order not to lose him for free in the summer. But he did not prefer a sudden move and decided to fulfil his contract with the Blues.
The top club that was leading the race to sign the Dane was FC Barcelona. They are looking to strengthen their squad for next season, and due to the financial crisis, they are targeting top free agents. Andreas Christensen was one of those targets.
Now strong reports are coming from Spain that Barcelona agrees with Dane to sign him for free in the summer. The Catalan club improved the contract offer in recent days, and he is delighted with what the club is offering. Reports that arrived in the past few days claimed that Barca were closing in on a deal for the Denmark international, and it seems the Catalans want to get everything wrapped up soon.
Fabrizio Romano reckons a five-year deal is now on the table, and the centre-back is seen as a key player for coach Xavi at the Camp Nou.
Central defenders Samuel Umtiti, Clement Lenglet and Oscar Mingueza, could depart the club in the summer, while Gerard Pique has recently turned 35. As such, Barcelona are looking to strengthen the centre-back position.
Barcelona have the upper hand over some Premier League clubs as he has said that he won’t be joining any other Premier League clubs out of respect for Chelsea.
Christensen signed for Chelsea on a free transfer in 2012, near the end of Andre Villas-Boas’ tenure as the club’s manager. Upon joining the London side, Christensen said: “I have chosen Chelsea because they play the kind of football I like.”
In 2017, Christensen made his first appearance for Chelsea following his two-year loan spell in Germany, coming off the bench following captain Gary Cahill being sent off in Chelsea’s 3–2 opening day home defeat against Burnley. Eight days later, he made his first Premier League start in a 2–1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley Stadium. On 9 January 2018, Christensen signed a new four-and-half-year deal with Chelsea running until 2022, after establishing himself in the first team.
Christensen had his best run with Chelsea under Thomas Tuchel. Under the German manager, he was one of the best defenders for the Blues. But currently, he is not the top selected player in the starting XI, and if Chelsea looks for new defenders in the summer, his chances in the first team will be less. So, a move will be best for both sides.
