FC Barcelona Evaluates Centre-Back Options Amid Current Roster Shifts
FC Barcelona continues to deliberate on addressing the depth in their centre-back position. The potential departure of Ronald Araujo and the increasing likelihood of Eric Garcia transitioning to a right-back role raises concerns about the team’s defensive lineup.
Both Eric Garcia and Jules Kounde have experience as converted full-backs, but discussions have been ongoing about the addition of another player in that role.
In this context, Andreas Christensen has re-emerged as a key figure. According to MARCA, Barcelona is reassessing the possibility of signing a new defender due to the strong performances by the former Chelsea player following his injury recovery.
Christensen has faced injury challenges over the past two seasons, limiting his playtime under coach Hansi Flick. However, the coaching staff maintains significant confidence in his skills on the field.
They believe he can effectively play the ball out from defense, contribute on the left side—a factor critical for Pau Cubarsí’s development—win aerial battles, and display intelligent situational awareness.
In pre-season, Christensen has shown his capabilities following a successful recovery from a partial tear of the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee, a setback that sidelined him since December. He has impressed the coaching staff with his physical condition and has started in every friendly up to the Joan Gamper Trophy.
Increasing Role for Christensen
After renewing his contract earlier this summer and showcasing strong performances recently, there is an anticipation within the club that Christensen may take on more playing time than initially expected.
Unless there are further departures from the defence or an opportunity arises in the market, Christensen is poised to be the centre-back who will strengthen the defensive unit alongside players like Cubars, Gerard Martin, Eric, and Jules Kounde.
Additionally, La Masia prospect Alvaro Cortes may serve as an alternative option for the La Liga champions if necessary. Without notable exits, Barcelona appears unlikely to pursue additional central defensive signings in the near future.
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.
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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)
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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.
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More minutes for Christensen

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.
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