Barcelona is expected to sell one of its centre-backs this summer as part of a squad overhaul to relieve financial stress.
The 29-year-old has a contract until 2026, and there is sufficient scope to release him; and the club has informed him that he has not been included in their long-term plans.
AS claims the non-renewal has allowed pathways to leave with offers expected to follow in the next few weeks.
The transfer should give a transfer fee and relieve the club of approximately €9m gross per season in wages.
The player is Andreas Christensen, the Danish international who signed for Barcelona from Chelsea in 2022.
He has made 80 appearances and scored four goals, but has lately battled to establish a regularity in the starting lineup, partly due to the tendinopathy that kept him out for over seven months.
Head coach Hansi Flick was in favour of keeping him, but Sporting Director Deco, however, explored other avenues, focusing on Ronald Araujo and a bunch of other centre-backs, as there are 5 centre-backs for two spaces.
Before the injury and limited appearances, it was an easy decision to contemplate the deal for sale.
Interest from Saudi Arabia, specifically Al Nassr, has come about, and they represent an enticing payday for the defender.
Christensen is said to be amenable to leaving if the deal is properly and financially appealing.
For Barcelona, considered purely from a professional perspective, if the clean transfer fee is right, this is a great outcome in continuing to take the principles of expunging one of the current squad members.
Christensen has showcased quality in fits and starts, therefore departure from Barcelona would signal a smart decision in the broader attempts by the club to balance the competitive with a reasonable financial footing.
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