Atletico Madrid is scheming to secure a free deal for a Barcelona star, capitalizing on his contract uncertainty to strengthen their squad.
Fresh off a summer of calculated squad-building, the Rojiblancos are already planning for 2026, leveraging insider knowledge to target a seasoned defender whose contract is nearing its end.
The move, if successful, would not only strengthen Diego Simeone’s backline but also deal a blow to their fiercest La Liga rivals, capitalizing on uncertainty at a club renowned for its defensive pedigree.
The target, per Fichajes, is Barcelona’s Andreas Christensen, a Danish center-back whose deal runs until 2026.
Mateu Alemany, Atletico’s sporting director and former Barcelona executive, is keen to exploit Christensen’s uncertain future at Camp Nou.
The 29-year-old, signed under Alemany’s watch in 2022, brings European experience from his Chelsea days and a calm presence, despite recent injury setbacks.
With Barcelona yet to offer a renewal, Christensen’s openness to stay hinges on a compelling project—leaving the door ajar for Atletico’s opportunistic swoop.
Alemany’s familiarity with Christensen gives Atletico Madrid an edge, easing potential negotiations and ensuring a smooth transition.
If Barcelona opts against extending his contract, a free transfer in 2026 would be a masterstroke, saving millions while adding a proven defender to pair with Jose Maria Gimenez.
Christensen’s versatility—capable of slotting into a back three or four—aligns with Simeone’s pragmatic system, though his injury history raises questions about reliability.
For Barcelona, letting Christensen walk could ease their wage bill, strained by his high salary, but it risks weakening Hansi Flick’s defense, already stretched by Iñigo Martinez’s exit.
Christensen’s desire for stability will be pivotal; a strong project at Barcelona could keep him, but Atletico’s ambition and Alemany’s pull are enticing.
As the 2026 window looms, this transfer saga underscores the high stakes of La Liga’s rivalry, with Atletico Madrid poised to capitalize on Barcelona’s indecision, potentially reshaping both clubs’ futures.
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