Barça Ponders January Transfer Window After Christensen’s ACL Injury

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Barcelona’s coach Hansi Flick has hinted that the club might look to sign a defender during the January transfer window, following the injury to Andreas Christensen. Christensen, who is out of contract next summer, suffered an ACL injury during training on Saturday, which will keep him out of action for several months.
The injury has left Barcelona short at centre-back, with Ronald Araújo currently absent on a mental health break, Eric García playing in midfield, and Jules Koundé occupying the right-back position. As a result, Gerard Martín and Pau Cubarsí have been paired at centre-back in recent weeks.
Flick acknowledged the need for reinforcements, stating, “We will see” when asked if the club would invest in a defender in January. He also expressed his concern for Christensen, who was in a good form before the injury. “He played well in the Copa and has been fantastic in training. It’s sad because it’s the next injury for him, I wish him all the best and that he’s coming back soon.”
ESPN reported earlier this week that Barcelona had identified signing a centre-back next summer as a priority, with Pau Torres and Nico Schlotterbeck among the defenders being followed. However, it seems unlikely that either player would be available in January, or that Barcelona would have the finances to complete a deal.
On a more positive note, Flick downplayed concerns over Jules Koundé’s fitness after the France international came off in the second half of the Villarreal win. “I don’t think it’s a big thing, he was sick for three days this week, but also in every situation he said ‘I will give my best,'” Flick said.
Barcelona ended 2025 with an eighth successive win in LaLiga, thanks to a Raphinha penalty and a Lamine Yamal goal. Yamal’s goal came after Renato Veiga had been sent off for a late challenge on the Barça teenager. The decision did not sit well with the Villarreal fans, who whistled Yamal for the remainder of the game.

Post-Match Reaction

Villarreal coach Marcelino praised his side for their performance with 10 men, saying Barcelona goalkeeper Joan García was the player of the match. “You could see today he helped us with his saves to have this clean sheet,” Flick said of his goalkeeper.
LaLiga now breaks until the New Year, with Barcelona’s players not due back in training until December 29. Their next game is away at city rivals Espanyol on January 3.

Source: Link