Barcelona not looking to extend 29-year-old’s contract despite deal expiring in 2026 | OneFootball

Ronald Araujo and Andreas Christensen started and starred in defence for Barcelona in the team’s most recent win over Real Sociedad, showing the manager that they can still have the same defensive fortitude that they showed in the past.

Notably, the Catalans have come a long way from there, with Inigo Martinez pairing up with Pau Cubarsi to form the first-choice defensive pairing last season.

Now, with Martinez gone, Eric Garcia seems to be a strong candidate for the manager as Cubarsi’s regular partner, although there has been no stable go-to pairing yet.

The decision with Christensen

Araujo and Christensen, at this point, stare at uncertain futures at the club, given Hansi Flick’s expectations from players in the position.

While the former’s distribution and adaptation to the high line seem to be a hurdle, it is the age and fitness record that form a hurdle for the latter.

Andreas Christensen could leave as a free agent in 2026. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

As relayed by MARCA in a recent report, Barcelona do not plan on renewing Christensen’s contract at the moment, and there is a good chance he could leave as a free agent at the end of his deal.

The final decision over the Danish star’s situation will be taken at the end of the season when the manager and administration have a clearer idea of the quality, consistency and fitness improvement the player can present.

His departure is not certain, but it is likely as it stands.

The 29-year-old star’s current deal ends next summer, and he still has a few years in his tank should he be able to stay fit and impress.

After all, he is not surplus to the requirement as it stands, and the club will have to sign a new centre-back regardless, even if Christensen is not renewed.