Barcelona are looking for a replacement for Christensen: Ake and 6 potential targets.
Andreas Christensen's anterior cruciate ligament injury has forced Barcelona to change their plans and urgently search for a new central defender in the January transfer window.
Barcelona's plans for a quiet winter transfer window may have to change after center-back Andreas Christensen was diagnosed with an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury and will be out for several months. This situation forces the club's management to consider urgent replacement options.
Coach Hansi Flick sent a clear message about the team's personnel needs: "I will talk to Deco." Immediately, the transfer market became active with a host of names seen as potential short-term solutions for the Catalan club.
According to La Liga regulations, if Christensen's injury is assessed as long-term by an independent medical panel, Barcelona will have the right to register a replacement. The condition is that the new player's salary must not exceed 80% of the injured player's salary.
Targets from the Premier League
According to Diario Sport, Barcelona have been offered several options from the English top league. The first name on the list is Axel Disasi, the central defender who is not getting much playing time at Chelsea. Disasi is reportedly outside of The Blues' plans and is looking for more regular playing opportunities.
In addition, Nathan Ake of Manchester City has also been mentioned. The Dutch defender is facing fierce competition for a starting place at the Etihad Stadium and may consider leaving to secure a World Cup spot. With his versatility and left-footedness, Ake is attracting interest from many clubs.
Experienced choices
Mundo Deportivo has put forward a broader list of candidates. Marcos Senesi of Bournemouth is a familiar name in transfer rumors. The central defender is predicted to leave the club, and Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are closely monitoring him. Bournemouth could sell Senesi as early as January to avoid losing him for free in the summer.
Two other veteran players mentioned are Nicolas Otamendi and Stefan de Vrij. At 37, Otamendi is still performing consistently and holds the captain's armband at Benfica. Meanwhile, Stefan de Vrij (33 years old) is rarely used at Inter and his contract is nearing its end, opening up the possibility of a transfer.
Other options
The list of potential targets doesn't stop there. Rumors have also linked Barcelona with several other players currently playing in La Liga, such as Luiz Felipe of Rayo Vallecano, Diego Llorente of Real Betis, and Juan Foyth of Villarreal – a name that has been repeatedly linked with the Camp Nou club in the past.
Certainly, when the January transfer window officially opens, many more names will appear on Barcelona's target list as they look for solutions for their defense.