Why is Chelsea's season suddenly falling apart?!

Culture & Clobber Axis: Jude's new look, gold Zidane Preds & more

Welcome to Amad Diallo's world 

Nunez CAN score goals! Huge late drama as Liverpool march on

Madrid's biggest problem? They've still not replaced Kroos

Editors' Picks

'Who does he think he is?' - Keane slams 'rubbish' Stewart

Zlatan offers brutal response to Ronaldo’s Ligue 1 criticism

Endrick dedicates goals to team-mate that 'never praises me'

That's why Real Madrid signed Endrick!

Klopp to hold party for Liverpool players if Man City are stripped of titles 

What Haaland's 10-year mega deal means for City - and football

Where would Man Utd be without Amad?

'League makes it possible' - Big call for CR7 in 1000-goal bid

<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="match-schedule">{"type":"match-schedule","data":{"channelId":"92686d1e-5985-40e1-80f3-6f5a54f55b39","competitionId":"34pl8szyvrbwcmfkuocjm3r6t"}}</script><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Newcastle want Christensen</li><li>Danish defender not in Hansi Flick's plans</li><li>Christensen's sale to help with Dani Olmo's registration</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table>

Newcastle United set sights on out-of-favour Barcelona defender

Champions League

Benfica

Barcelona

Premier League

Southampton

Newcastle

<p>Andreas Christensen's days as a Barcelona player seem to be numbered as a departure is inevitable, according to <a href="https://www.fichajes.net/noticias/venta-clave-fc-barcelona-asegurar-inscripcion-dani-olmo-20241215.html" target="_self">Fichajes</a>, with Premier League outfit Newcastle United targeting the Denmark international in the upcoming January transfer window as they want to buy him to reinforce their defence for the second half of the season.</p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>Since joining Barcelona as a free agent in 2022, Christensen has struggled to nail down a spot in the Barcelona starting XI, with competition for places as well as his issues with fitness preventing him from gathering any sort of momentum. With the emergence of Pau Cubarsi, the solid displays of Inigo Martinez, and <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-in/lists/ronald-araujo-comeback-barcelona-injury-nightmare-hansi-flick/blt82c74e5833618c60" target="_self">the return of Ronald Araujo from a long-term injury</a>, Christensen's chances of becoming a valuable player for Hansi Flick seem bleak.</p><p>As such, both the club and the player would be happy to part ways, with Newcastle aiming to bring the former Chelsea defender back to the Premier League. Eddie Howe, the Magpies head coach, is keen to bring in an experienced defender to compensate for Sven Botman's absence, who suffered an ACL injury against Manchester City in March 2024. He has recovered, though, and is edging closer to a return to first team, having appeared for the U21s on Monday. Still, his return won't be rushed, and signing Christensen gives Howe options in such a sensitive situation.</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>Christensen's potential move to Tyneside will not only free up some space on the wage bill for the Catalans, but will also allow them to complete the registration of Dani Olmo for the second half of the season. <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-in/lists/dani-olmo-leave-barcelona-free-register-summer-signing-shock-contract-agreement/bltcea024f52a414536#csabb3cde602438579" target="_self">Reports suggest that Olmo’s contract includes a second clause allowing the Spanish international to leave Barcelona for free during the winter transfer window, should the club fail to complete his registration</a>. </p>

DID YOU KNOW?

<p>Christensen underwent surgery on the tendons in both legs and received cellular regenerative therapy in an effort to resolve his persistent injury issues. Unfortunately, the recovery process has been slower than anticipated, and the 28-year-old is not expected to regain full fitness until at least the end of January. His contract with Barcelona expires in 2026, which means that there'll be a sense of urgency in offloading the player in the upcoming transfer window. </p>

WHAT NEXT FOR ANDREAS CHRISTENSEN?

Newcastle United set sights on out-of-favour Barcelona defender | Goal.com

Andreas Christensen&apos;s Barcelona departure looks inevitable as Premier League side Newcastle United are set to provide an exit route for the Dane. 

Next matches