Barcelona reconsider signing new centre-back after defender’s strong pre-season displays

One of the issues still being discussed at FC Barcelona is what to do with the centre-back position.

The departure of Ronald Araujo and the increasingly likely conversion of Eric Garcia into a right-back could leave the position light on depth.

It is true that both Eric and Jules Kounde are converted full-backs who could return to their natural positions.

However, the idea of bringing in another player for the position has been on the table since for a while.

This is where Andreas Christensen comes into the picture. According to MARCA, Barcelona are reconsidering the signing of a new defender after the former Chelsea star’s strong return from injury.

The Dane has struggled with injuries over the past two seasons, and Hansi Flick has barely been able to count on him since taking charge. The coaching staff nevertheless have enormous confidence in his abilities.

Christensen has come back strong from injury. (Photo by Daniela Porcelli/Getty Images)

They are convinced that he is a defender who can play the ball out from the back, operate on the left side, which is particularly important for Pau Cubarsí’s development, win aerial duels and read situations intelligently.

Christensen has demonstrated all of this during pre-season, having now fully recovered from his injury problems.

So much so that the German coach has given him full responsibility, starting him in every Barça friendly up to the Joan Gamper Trophy.

During pre-season, the coaching staff have been impressed by Christensen’s physical condition after he suffered a partial tear of the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee, which had kept him sidelined since December.

Christensen could have a bigger role. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

Following his contract renewal earlier in the summer and his strong performances in recent weeks, there is a growing feeling within the club that Christensen could play more minutes than originally expected.

If there are no departures in defence and no convincing market opportunity emerges, Christensen could be the centre-back who completes the defensive unit alongside the the likes of Cubars, Gerard Martin, Eric and Jules Kounde.

Meanwhile, La Masia prospect Alvaro Cortes could also be an option if needed for the La Liga champions. So, unless there is another exit, Barcelona might not enter the market for a new central defender.