Between a rock and a hard place: Should Barcelona sell Christensen or Kounde in 2024

Reports from Spain and Fabrizio Romano have claimed that Barcelona have decided to bring back Chadi Riad from Real Betis next summer.

The Catalans will pay €7 million to activate his buy-back clause after Manuel Pellegrini’s side shell out €3.5 million to get him permanently. They are happy with his progress and will integrate him into the first-team.

Consequently, though, this means a likely departure from the central defence for Barcelona. They have four tremendous players in that position in Inigo Martinez, Jules Kounde, Andreas Christensen, and Ronald Araujo, all of whom more than deserve to start.

Further news has stated that Araujo and Inigo are not on the exit cards for Barcelona, for completely different reasons. The former is one of the four captains of the team, and nontransferable for the coaches. The latter, meanwhile, is 32, and will likely not receive many offers.

As such, it will be between Kounde and Christensen for the centre-back expected to be sold in the summer. And while it could be both, it begs the question, who should Barcelona let go, if only one?

A case for Christensen

Christensen has been one of the more underrated defenders in the world throughout his career, but less so after signing for Barcelona. His performances have visibly improved, and the player looks nearly twice the player he previously was.

Signed on a free transfer, the Dane has consistently been one of Barça’s reliable players. He wins aerial duels, barely misplaces passes, and athletic enough to deal with transitions.

The blaugranes kept eight clean sheets with Christensen on the pitch last season across his 22 games. And while the numbers have dropped this season to two in 14 so far, the 27-year-old has been dealing with injuries and has still been the most consistent defender for the club.

A case for Kounde

Jules Kounde played most of last season as a right-back, but requested Xavi to use him as a centre-back starting next season. His wish was granted, and the player was putting in brilliant performances in that position before picking up an injury vs Granada in a 2-2 draw.

The Frenchman seems like a shadow of his former self upon his return, and has been putting in shaky performances since. He also seemed to have lost his place in the starting lineup to Inigo, who looked far more confident.

If it were to be based purely on performances, Christensen would edge Kounde. However, it goes beyond that.

Firstly, the former Sevilla man costed Barcelona upwards of €60 million in total. Selling him, even for €70-80 million, would only mean a small profit in the books.

Secondly, Kounde’s profile might be more useful to Barcelona. While he does not like playing as a right-back, Xavi needs an option there beyond just Sergi Roberto and Joao Cancelo.

Final verdict

In an ideal scenario, Barcelona would be able to retain both Christensen and Kounde. Unfortunately, the club’s needs mean one of them will head towards the exit door come the summer. Especially if they sign Riad.

It is the one position they can cash out some players to add depth to the rest of the team without losing too much quality.

And while Christensen has proven that he is a better player than Kounde so far across the one-and-a-half seasons they have played together, it makes more sense for Barcelona to bet on the latter.

He is younger than the Dane, more versatile, and based on their respective careers, a more available player. Not to mention, he already has interest from the Premier League, and wants a more prominent role in a team.

Barcelona could easily get upwards of €50-55 million for Christensen, which should be enough money to carve out space in the wage bill to incorporate a couple of signings, if planned well.