Barcelona see €40 million-rated star as an internal solution if new pivot does not arrive

A recent report from MARCA has offered a comprehensive update on Andreas Christensen’s situation at Barcelona.

The Dane has been one of the players linked with a move away from the club in the coming summer, but it seems the player is included in Barcelona’s plans going forward.

An alternative for the pivot position?

That is particularly because Barcelona are unsure whether or not they have the financial capacity to bring in a new defensive midfielder in the coming summer.

The Catalans are confident of sealing the services of someone like Aleix Garcia, as a potential candidate for the pivot position. However, one would argue he may not have the defensive acumen to replace someone like Busquets.

Barcelona, therefore, have not discounted the possibility of continuing with Christensen as their main number six season, especially if they fail to sign a new player in the summer.

Christensen has been regularly used as the defensive pivot in recent games by Xavi, and the move has paid dividends, with Barcelona’s improved run of form coinciding with the 27-year-old’s change in role.

Barcelona are open to continuing with Christensen at holding midfield (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)

The idea of selling the Dane can be a tempting one, considering he had joined the club for free, so a sale this summer could see Barcelona booking a profit in their overall accounts.

However, the player has no intentions of leaving and if he continues with his recent performances in the No. 6 role, the Blaugrana too do not see the need to part ways with him.

A risk from Barcelona?

While Barcelona would certainly appreciate the idea of not having to spend big on a defensive midfielder in the coming summer, there are certain risks associated with Christensen being the main choice for the holding midfield role next season.

Although the Danish international is quite effective when it comes to defending and could hold his own against top teams, he is often poor in bringing the ball forward and oscillating possession.

That could prove to be costly for Barcelona, especially in games where they are expected to break the shackles of the opposition with sustained attacking pressure. Christensen’s technical inability would make them susceptible to a counterattack as well.

Barcelona’s objective, therefore, will be to sign a new holding midfielder at all costs, as the club brace itself for a busy summer ahead.

*Player valuation in title obtained from transfermarkt.com on date of publication