Manchester United’s chances of acquiring Andreas Christensen from Barcelona appear to be diminishing as reports indicate that the Catalan club is looking to extend the defender’s contract. The 28-year-old, despite a tough start to the 2024-25 season, is still a crucial player for Barca, who want to prevent him from entering the final year of his current contract, which runs until 2026.
Christensen, sidelined by an Achilles injury since the beginning of the season, played only 26 minutes in Barcelona’s first La Liga match against Valencia. This injury has kept him out for the remainder of the first half of the season, leading to his exclusion from Barcelona’s squad for the Champions League group stages.
Since joining Barcelona from Chelsea in July 2022, the Denmark international has made 75 appearances and scored four goals. Although his absence is a setback for Barcelona’s defense, the club is focused on securing his future with a new long-term contract.
This news is likely to disappoint Manchester United, who had been considering Christensen as a potential summer transfer. With his return anticipated early next year, he could still play an important role in Barcelona’s European campaign, especially in critical matches against Benfica and Atalanta in the revamped Champions League.
The Red Devils, who are currently facing issues with defensive depth, had targeted Christensen to strengthen their backline. Injuries to key players like Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia have forced United to depend on veteran defenders such as Jonny Evans and Harry Maguire. While they have only conceded eight goals in their first seven Premier League matches, their defense remains a concern, making Christensen a potentially valuable addition.
At this point, Barcelona is focused on retaining Christensen, leaving Manchester United to search for alternative defensive reinforcements.
