FC Barcelona have named their asking price for a star defender to Manchester United.
FC Barcelona have received a high bid for one of their star defenders from Manchester United according to El Nacional.
The Catalans’ detractors mocked them last summer when they picked up Andreas Christensen on a free after his Chelsea contract expired.
In no time, however, the Dane became a lynchpin in the best defense in Europe which eventually helped goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen keep a joint-record 26 clean sheets as Barca roared to their first La Liga title in four years.
His central partnership with Ronald Araujo was a mainstay to the extent that big money signing Jules Kounde was forced to fill in at right back.
As reported by El Nacional this weekend though, the duo could be broken up as Kounde moves into the middle of the back line – but that’s only if Premier
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According to the Catalan newspaper, the Mancunians have launched a bid of €35 million ($38.6 million) plus €15 million ($16.5 million) for the 27-year-old.
While losing Christensen would be a considerable blow for Xavi Hernandez, who has often spoke highly of his charge in public, Barca would contemplate offloading him for such an amount given their difficulties navigating Financial Fair Play limits.
The Blaugrana are currently struggling to register new players and the renewed contracts of existing stars, and would like to bring in fresh faces such as Bernardo Silva if possible.
Expected sales of Ousmane Dembele and Franck Kessie will help in these endeavours, and so would Christensen leaving for a total of €50 million ($55 million) in the near future.
That being said, president Joan Laporta is reportedly not interested in a deal that involves two payments, and instead wants the whole amount up front.
For a moneyed outfit such as the Red Devils, who have just spent a near combined €192 million ($211 million) on Rasmus Hojlund, Mason Mount and Andre Onana, this shouldn’t be too difficult.
As for Xavi, he would have to deal with the potential departure by finally putting Araujo and Kounde together if he can sign a right back, then count on Inigo Martinez and Eric Garcia for back up.