Barcelona board and Hansi Flick not united in decision over 29-year-old’s future | OneFootball

Barcelona’s summer rebuild is facing a little internal turbulence, with a conflict of ideas emerging between the club’s board and manager Hansi Flick over Danish centre-back Andreas Christensen.

As per Mundo Deportivo, while Barcelona are inclined to sell the defender to generate income, Flick sees him as a technically sound option worth retaining for the upcoming season.

The board’s stance is straightforward. Christensen’s exit would bring in pure profit, considering he arrived on a free transfer.

With his contract expiring in 2026 and persistent fitness concerns due to recurring injuries, club executives are eager to offload his salary and cash in before his value diminishes further.

Saudi Pro League clubs have shown interest, although no formal offers have materialised yet.

Flick likes Christensen

On the other hand, Flick appears more patient in his evaluation. Despite the injury setbacks, the German coach has not dismissed Christensen’s utility.

Christensen does not want to leave Barcelona. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)

He views the 29-year-old as technically competent and tactically versatile, a player who can fit well into his possession-oriented style of play.

This sets up a familiar Barça dilemma regarding economic urgency versus footballing need. While the board is desperate to generate funds in sales to unlock the club’s transfer plans, Flick is not pressuring the club to remove Christensen from his plans.

Christensen wants to stay

Adding to the complexity is Christensen’s own uncertain stance. The player is not actively pushing for an exit, and with the 2026 World Cup looming, a move to a less competitive league may not appeal to him at this point.

There is also a growing concern that if negotiations become strained, he might even see out his contract and walk away on a free, a situation Barça are keen to avoid.

Currently, Flick has no shortage of centre-backs. But in a season that will demand squad depth, especially with Champions League and domestic commitments, Christensen’s departure without a guaranteed replacement could leave the team exposed.