Man Utd show ‘serious interest’ in signing former Chelsea star from Barcelona
A January move is a possibility.
Manchester United have shown ‘serious interest’ in signing former Chelsea defender Andreas Christensen from Barcelona in January, according to reports in Spain.
Christensen has made 75 appearances for Barca since joining the Spanish giants on a free transfer in 2022.
He made more than 30 appearances during his first season at the Nou Camp to help Barcelona clinch the La Liga title, and over 40 last term.
The 28-year-old has barely featured during the current campaign due to fitness problems but returned to training over the weekend as he looks to get his career back on track.
Whether that happens at Barca remains to be seen, however, with Christensen linked with an exit despite still having 18 months on a contract that includes a staggering buyout clause worth €500 million.
No club would be willing to meet that but there is a chance Barcelona are prepared to sell him for a more suitable price amid interest from Manchester United and Juventus.
Mundo Deportivo say the Premier League and Serie A clubs are showing ‘serious interest’ in a January deal and are not concerned by Christensen’s recent injury lay-off.
United centre-back Lisandro Martinez has endured a disappointing season so far and Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans are all past their best.
£52m summer signing Leny Yoro is expected to develop into one of the best defenders in Europe but at 19 cannot yet be relied upon on a consistent basis.
Christensen was a mainstay in the Chelsea team for around five years, making 161 appearances for the Blues and lifting a host of trophies – including the Champions League – during his spell at Stamford Bridge.
While United have expressed interest in bringing the 28-year-old Denmark international to Old Trafford, Juventus are said to be leading the race as they look to sign him on loan when the January transfer window opens.
Speaking to Danish network TV 2 Sport recently, Christensen laughed off speculation he could be set to leave Barcelona.
‘You can’t do anything but smile when you don’t hear anything,’ the FA Cup and Europa League winner said.
‘I can only speak about the conversations I’ve had with the club and so far they’ve only told me that I’ll recover well and that they’re looking forward to my return.’
Amorim, who took over at Old Trafford last month, is keen to bolster his Manchester United squad following an underwhelming start to his time in charge.
The Red Devils are 14th in the Premier League – the same position they were in when Erik ten Hag was sacked – after taking just seven points from Amorim’s first six games at the helm.
Manchester United were beaten by Wolves and Bournemouth in their last two games and face in-form Newcastle United on Monday night.
Christensen’s former club Chelsea, meanwhile, remain fourth despite only taking one point from their last two games and losing to west London rivals Fulham on Boxing Day.
Barcelona have enjoyed a promising first-half to the 2024-25 campaign and sit third in La Liga – three points behind leaders Atletico Madrid – and second in the revamped Champions League group phase.
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