Andreas Christensen in for free transfer as Barcelona prioritise young defender's contract extension over ex-Chelsea star

According to a report from Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona are about to begin working on more renewals this season, especially of the players who are in the final year of their contract. Christensen, despite enjoying more minutes at the start of the season, is unlikely to be offered a new deal, with the Spanish champions set to prioritise Garcia's extension instead.

Injuries have played a big role in hampering Christensen's progress in Catalunya. Since joining from Chelsea in 2022, the 29-year-old has only managed 82 appearances. In fact, he played just six games in the entirety of the 2024-25 season as he underwent surgery as well as cellular regenerative therapy following a tendon injury. With his contract expiring in 2026, Barca were prepared to part ways with the defender earlier this summer, despite the player's wish to continue at the club. Inigo Martinez's shock departure to Saudi Arabia resulted in Christensen staying put for the 2025-26 season, but the report adds that it's unlikely to see him don the Blaugrana colours in the 2026-27 season and beyond. 

Garcia, meanwhile, enjoyed a lot of minutes last season, as head coach Hansi Flick tinkered with his role and played him at right-back. The experiment worked wonders, as the academy graduate became an integral part of the rotation and aggregated 45 appearances — his most in a single season ever. With the former Manchester City man proving his mettle consistently, he is absolutely admired by Flick. The German head coach wants the versatile defender to stay, prompting Barca to address his renewal more urgently.

Barcelona have already secured the long-term futures of several key players such as Pedri, Lamine Yamal and Jules Kounde. They are also expected to wrap up Frenkie de Jong's extension. With the season having just started, the focus will be on running hot on the heels of league leaders Real Madrid, who hold a two-point lead atop the table after Barca could only salvage a point against Rayo Vallecano last weekend. They will next face Valencia on September 14 before kicking off their Champions League campaign against Newcastle United four days later.