In a key development, Mundo Deportivo reports that Andreas Christensen will continue at FC Barcelona beyond this season.
The Danish centre-back and the club have reached an agreement to continue together for another two seasons.
Renewal at lower salary
Christensen’s existing contract had been due to expire on June 30. After months of negotiations.
After initially rejecting the club’s first proposal, the former Chelsea defender has now accepted the Catalans’ new conditions, which include a two-year contract extension, although with a lower salary than he had previously been earning.
Andreas Christensen of FC Barcelona
Set to continue at Barcelona. (Photo by Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images)
Even though his involvement over the last two seasons has been very limited due to injuries, Hansi Flick has significant confidence in Christensen.
Other offers for Christensen
As per the report, The 30-year-old defender had received other offers with stronger financial terms, both from European clubs and from Saudi Arabia, but from the beginning his intention had always been to remain linked to Barcelona.
Both the player and his family are very comfortable at the club and in the city, and they wanted to continue their relationship with the Blaugrana.
For that reason, Christensen did not mind making some financial sacrifices in order to stay.
Andreas Christensen of FC Barcelona
Christensen turned down other offers to stay. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
Barcelona also appreciated the efforts he has made, not only by turning down better financial offers but also by showing commitment and professionalism whenever circumstances demanded it.
Eyeing prominent role next season
With his future now secured at Barcelona, and with the signing of the new contract expected to be finalised next week or the week after, Christensen’s focus has shifted toward next season.
Now fully recovered from his latest injury setback, the defender wants to arrive in the best possible shape for pre-season preparations with the goal of becoming an important player for Flick.