Hansi Flick has decided to exclude a prominent Barcelona player from his long-term squad plans, amid ongoing squad restructuring.
At 29, the player has plummeted to squad periphery status under the German coach, logging just 515 minutes across all competitions this season amid a tactical reshuffle that’s prioritized youth and versatility.
With Barcelona atop La Liga and chasing domestic trebles, the decision underscores Flick’s ruthless squad management, even as injuries like Ronald Araujo’s absence offered openings that went elsewhere.
The club eyes a January exit to cash in before a potential free-agent departure, balancing financial levers against on-pitch depth in a high-stakes campaign.
That fallen star is Andreas Christensen, whose prominence has evaporated since Flick’s arrival transformed Barcelona’s backline, as reported by Fichajes.
The 2022 free-agent signing, pivotal in Xavi’s La Liga triumph with his ball-playing poise and partnerships alongside Araujo, now ranks among the least-used players, overtaken by Gerard Martín’s conversion to centre-back and Eric García’s shift to defensive midfield.
Even Araujo’s layoff failed to elevate him, confirming his status outside the core rotation despite recent cameos like his Copa del Rey goal against Guadalajara.
Christensen remains resolute on staying, rejecting overtures despite his expiring deal drawing interest from cash-rich Saudi sides and Premier League returnees.
Yet Barcelona’s hierarchy views his sale as pragmatic, generating revenue without disrupting Flick’s fluid system that pairs Pau Cubarsí with emerging talents.
Training observations reveal Flick’s reservations—possibly fitness concerns or stylistic mismatches—echoed in fan forums questioning his bench role amid injury-prone history.
The scenario tests loyalties at a club navigating fair-play limits and treble pursuits.
Christensen’s leadership and prior UCL pedigree with Chelsea add value off the pitch, but Hansi Flick prioritizes reliability for grueling fixtures ahead.
Unless January bids falter or injuries strike, his Blaugrana tenure hangs by a thread, with summer free agency looming as the ultimate crossroads.
Want to get the latest Barcelona news direct to your phone? Join our WhatsApp community by clicking here.
