Chelsea manager all but confirms defender’s summer move to Barcelona

Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has given a strong hint that Andreas Christensen could be on his way out of the club amidst interest from Barcelona.

The 25-year-old is in the final few months of his contract with the Blues and has shown little indication about wanting to pen an extension. Instead, it has been widely speculated that the Danish international is keen on signing for Barça.

Recent reports have even indicated that the centre-back has completed his medical with the Catalan club, and an agreement is set to be finalised imminently.

Now, Tuchel, speaking ahead of Chelsea’s Premier League clash against Norwich City, has dropped a huge hint that Christensen could be on his way out of the club come the end of the season.

“We hear the rumours with Andreas and it’s been like this for many months,” the German said (h/t Chelsea FC). “He has not signed yet so we can’t communicate anything.”

“We are not happy about it and personally and the club representatives think it’s best for him to stay here. We rely heavily on him. We have to consider the possibility that he may leave us. Will we like that? No. Will we live with it? Yes,” Tuchel further added.

Christensen has been on Chelsea’s books since 2012. But only after a two-year loan stint away with Borussia Monchengladbach between 2015 and 2017 did he establish a foothold in the first-team setup.

A key player under Tuchel, the Dane has become a valuable asset for the club, which Tuchel reiterated in his statements.

“He knows we appreciate him a lot and I think it’s a crucial point in his Chelsea career; he is in a perfect age and perfect moment with the system we play and the guys at his side,” the Chelsea manager said.

“I think it’s the decisive moment to step up and be a huge player for Chelsea in the next years. If he decides otherwise, I will not take it personally.”

While Tuchel could be trying to change Christensen’s mind by launching a charm offensive, it is believed that everything is in place for the defender to end up at Camp Nou later this year. The 25-year-old will reportedly be signing a five-year contract worth €6 million.