Ex-Chelsea defender linked with stunning Premier League return at Manchester United

12/30/2024 08:57 AM

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 made over 30 appearances in his first season at the Nou Camp to help Barcelona clinch the La Liga title. 

However, it has been a different story this season, 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 on his contract at Barca which includes an eyebrow-raising buyout clause worth €500million.

A huge ask for some clubs but there is a chance Barcelona are willing to sell him for a more reasonable price after interest from Man United and Juventus. 

According to Mundo Deportivo, the Premier League and Serie A clubs are showing 'serious interest' in a January deal.

The Red Devils' interest comes amid questions over the performances of centre-back Lisandro Martinez 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 their interest, as they look to sign Christensen 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," he 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."

Christensen was a cornerstone in the Chelsea team for around five years, making 161 appearances for the Blues and lifted a host of trophies. 

Including the Champions League, FA Cup, Europa League and FIFA Club World Cup. 

The arrival of manager Maurizio Sarri in 2018 saw Christensen fall out of favour. 

With Sarri preferring to pair David Luiz and Antonio Rüdiger in central defence, by February 2019 Christensen had made 15 appearances, only two of which in the league. 

In October 2021, Christensen scored his first goal for Chelsea in a 4–0 win against Malmö FF in the group stage of the Champions League. 

Christensen signed for La Liga club Barcelona in July 2022 in a free transfer on a four-year contract. 

He was named Danish Football Player of the Year for 2023, having won the La Liga title and the Supercopa de España with the club.

Christensen's experience could be just what Man United need, with recently appointed manager Ruben Amorim looking to bolster his squad following an underwhelming start to his time in charge.

United's luck went from bad to worse on Boxing Day with a 2-0 defeat to Wolves. 

This was United’s third defeat in a row, with all three coming in the space of a week, meaning that Amorim has now lost five of his opening ten games in charge at Old Trafford.

They host Newcastle at Old Trafford this evening and will be hoping to break their losing streak.