Barcelona looking to push for €25m defender – Manchester United and Tottenham reportedly interested
The magnitude of Barcelona's wage cap struggles is unclear, but it's certainly not a healthy situation. After Ilkay Gundogan was encouraged to leave for Manchester City this week to save money, it looks like the Blaugrana will look to sell one of the two defenders they had planned to keep.
According to Sportsell one of Eric Garcia or Andreas Christensen is one of Deco's tasks in the last days of the transfer window to increase his spending capacity. The first is presumably more open to an exit than at the beginning of the summer. While Newcastle United were chasing him at the start of the summer, their own financial fair play problems have forced them out of the running.
Pedri could take Ferran's place in the starting eleven, but apart from that, Flick does not consider any changes from the formation used against Valencia. @scapde_45
— Barcacentre (@barcacentre) August 22, 2024
Barcelona want at least 25 million euros for Christensen, and the Catalan paper credit Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur with interest in the former Chelsea man. The Danish defender has two years from his deal, and so a sale makes sense for Barcelona if he does not intend to renew his contract – his field is tested on the market.
While Garcia is willing to stay and fight for his chances, Barcelona can tell him that he will receive little playing time, knowing that Girona remains interested in him. He spent last year on loan there, but Barcelona wanted a transfer for the 23-year-old. There has also been talk of the Blaugrana moving for a striker in the final week of the window. If this is the case, then Jules Kounde could return to central defense.
Reports at the start of the summer claimed that Garcia could return to Girona for €15-20m, although Quique Carcel has yet to make a move for him. Recent information is that Barcelona are still looking to bring a left winger, especially Federico Chiesa from Juventus, and there is no doubt that they have a couple of options in central defense, although the same can be said of the his attack.
Christensen has always been good at the back for Barcelona, and has provided solid performances since his arrival. Garcia's form has been less consistent, but he is coming off his best season for Girona, and an Olympic gold medal with Spain. He is also five years Christensen's junior.
