Barcelona have been trying to sort out exits for players they consider dispensable in these finals days of the transfer window. The club’s financial situation is such that sacrifices have to be made for important first-team players.
We covered a story yesterday that the club has informed Andreas Christensen and Eric Garcia that one of these two will have to leave the club before deadline day. The report also added that the Dane had widespread interest from the Premier League with clubs like Manchester United, Tottenham and Newcastle United.
Now, as per SPORT, Christensen has no intention of leaving Barcelona this summer. He feels his family is settled in the city and does not want to uproot it and move back to England, effectively shutting out a move.
The 28-year-old joined Barcelona from Chelsea on a free transfer a couple of summers ago and has gone on to establish himself as a key player for the club. Last season, Xavi reinvented his position by using him as a pivot which drastically turned around the team’s fortunes.
Christensen was on the bench for Barcelona’s first La Liga game under Hansi Flick against Valencia with the German coach preferring to start Pau Cubarsi and Inigo Martinez. The Dane did come in the second half and played as a center-back.
One of our best progressive passers from defense alongside Cubarsi, Barcelona would benefit from retaining Christensen. The Dane can also play in midfield, offering Flick a certain degree of flexibility when setting up his team.
With the Dane making the decision to stay, it remains to be seen what this means for Eric Garcia. The 23-year-old was also a second-half substitute at the Mestalla but came on a holding midfield in place of Marc Bernal.
Ideally, Barcelona must be retaining both Christensen and Garcia. The duo can contribute over the course of the season. However, with the club’s financial situation being what it is, it remains to be seen what Deco & co. do regarding the two defenders in the days to come.
