Aston Villa may switch to sign former Chelsea defender for reduced transfer fee with contract expiring, after…….
Andreas Christensen Linked with Premier League Return as Barcelona Open to Summer Sale
Former Chelsea centre-back Andreas Christensen could be on the move once again, with reports indicating that the Danish international may depart Barcelona during the upcoming summer transfer window. Several Premier League clubs are believed to be monitoring the situation closely, including Aston Villa, as they weigh up a potential deal that would see the 29-year-old make a return to English football after a three-year stint in Spain.
Christensen made the switch to the Camp Nou in 2022 following the expiration of his contract with Chelsea, bringing an end to a decade-long association with the West London club. The Danish defender originally joined Chelsea as a teenager and progressed through the youth ranks before breaking into the first team under Jose Mourinho during the Portuguese manager’s second spell at Stamford Bridge.
To gain valuable first-team experience, Christensen was loaned out to Bundesliga side Borussia Mönchengladbach in 2015, where he spent two highly successful seasons. That loan spell proved pivotal in his development, with the young defender earning widespread praise for his composure, reading of the game, and maturity on the ball.
Upon his return to Chelsea in 2017, Christensen gradually established himself as a regular in the squad. Over the following five seasons, he made more than 160 appearances for the Blues and played a key role in the club’s 2020–21 Champions League triumph under then-manager Thomas Tuchel. Despite his contributions, Christensen opted not to renew his contract and instead made a high-profile free transfer to FC Barcelona.
When he joined Barça, the Catalan giants inserted a staggering €500 million release clause into his contract—a figure that always seemed more symbolic than realistic. Now, with just one year remaining on his current deal, and Barcelona eager to generate funds for other transfer targets, the La Liga club is reportedly open to offers in the region of €20 million. Given Christensen’s injury issues last season and the club’s need to balance the books, such a reduced price tag could attract significant interest.
Last season was a frustrating one for Christensen on a personal level. The Danish defender was sidelined for the majority of the campaign due to persistent injury problems, making only six appearances. He didn’t feature at all until April, though he did regain some rhythm toward the end of the season, finishing strongly and reminding onlookers of his defensive quality.
Premier League clubs appear ready to pounce, with Aston Villa joined by Brentford, Tottenham Hotspur, and Newcastle United in expressing interest. Brentford, in particular, could be an appealing destination for Christensen due to their strong Danish influence, both on and off the pitch.
Barcelona’s need to sell stems partly from their recent transfer activity. The club has already secured a deal for Espanyol goalkeeper Joan García—also a reported target for Aston Villa—and they continue to pursue Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams. However, financial constraints remain a significant obstacle for the Catalans. Reports in Spain suggest that while the club hopes to bring in around €20 million for Christensen, concerns over his fitness record may lead to lower offers, forcing Barça to reconsider their valuation.
In summary, as Christensen enters the final year of his contract and Barcelona look to reshape their squad, a return to the Premier League appears increasingly likely. Clubs in England view the experienced defender as a potentially shrewd acquisition, particularly at a cut-price fee, and a transfer battle for his signature could be on the horizon as the summer window heats up.