Former Chelsea defender linked with impressive Premier League return at Manchester United
Manchester United are reportedly interested in signing former Chelsea player Andreas Christensen from Barcelona in January.
The 28-year-old has made 75 appearances for Barca since joining the Spanish giants on a free transfer in 2022.
He played more than 30 games in his first season at the Camp Nou to help Barcelona win the La Liga title.
However, this season has been a different story, with Christensen barely featuring during the current campaign due to fitness issues.
In light of his recent return from injury, he is starting to attract attention away from Barcelona, with a return to the Premier League potentially on the cards.
He still has 18 months left on his contract with Barça, which includes a surprising release clause worth 500 million euros.
It is a huge demand for some clubs, but there is a possibility that Barcelona will be willing to sell him for a more reasonable price following interest from Man United and Juventus.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Premier League and Serie A clubs are showing “great interest” in a deal in January.
The Red Devils' interest comes amid doubts about the performance of center back Lisandro Martínez this season.
United's other defensive options – Matthijs de Ligt, Lenny Yoro, Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans – have also struggled to perform.
Juventus have also expressed interest as they look to sign Christensen on loan when the January transfer window opens.
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Speaking recently to Danish broadcaster TV 2 Sport, Christensen laughed off speculation that he could leave Barcelona.
“You can't do anything but smile when you don't hear anything,” he said.
“I can only speak about the conversations I have had with the club and so far they have only told me that I will recover well and that they are looking forward to my return.”
Christensen was a cornerstone in the Chelsea team for about five years, making 161 appearances for the Blues and lifting numerous trophies.
Including Champions League, FA Cup, Europa League and FIFA Club World Cup.
The arrival of the manager Mauricio Sarri In 2018, Christensen fell from grace.
As Sarri preferred to pair David Luiz and Antonio Rüdiger in central defence, by February 2019 Christensen had played 15 games, only two of which were in the league.
Andreas Christensen Honors List
- FA Cup: 2017-18; 2020-21
- UEFA Champions League: 2020-21
- UEFA European League: 2018-19
- European Super Cup: 2021
- FIFA Club World Cup: 2021
- La Liga: 2022-23
- Spanish Super Cup: 2023
- Danish footballer of the year: 20
In October 2021, Christensen scored his first goal for Chelsea in a 4–0 win against Malmö FF in the Champions League group stage.
Christensen signed for La Liga side Barcelona in July 2022 on a free transfer with a four-year contract.
He was named Danish Football Player of the Year 2023, having won the La Liga title and the Spanish Super Cup with the club.
Christensen's experience could be just what Manchester United need, with newly appointed manager Ruben Amorim seeks to strengthen his team after a disappointing start to his mandate.
United's fortunes went from bad to worse on Boxing Day with a 2-0 defeat to Wolves.
This was United's third consecutive defeat, and all three came in the space of a week, meaning Amorim has lost five of his first ten games in charge at Old Trafford.
Tonight they host Newcastle at Old Trafford and hope to break their losing streak.
