Manchester United have shown “serious” interest in Barcelona defender in the “last few hours”

According to reports from Spain, Manchester United have stepped up their interest in a Barcelona defender in the “last few hours”, rivalling Juventus in the January market.

Manchester United are set for a more restrained approach to transfers under Rúben Amorim, marking a departure from the heavy spending seen during Erik ten Hag’s tenure.

Over five transfer windows, Ten Hag oversaw spending in excess of £600 million, a figure many believe has not translated into significant progress on the pitch.

Amorim has already identified key positions that require strengthening, including a striker, a centre-back, a left-back, and possibly further midfield additions.

To fund these signings, the club are expected to generate funds by selling some of their high-value players, signaling a more calculated strategy moving forward.

United rivalling Juventus for Barcelona defender

According to the Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, United have shown “serious” interest in Barcelona defender Andreas Christensen in “the last few hours.”

Christensen is very familiar with the Premier League, having played 93 times in the competition for Chelsea across a five-year period before joining Barcelona in July 2022 on a free transfer.

However, United are said to be strongly rivalled for his signature by Serie A giants Juventus, who have also shown real interest in signing him this winter, with reports suggesting that they may ask for a loan in January.

The 28-year-old recently suffered an injury setback on his left Achilles tendon, and it’s thought that this is not a worry for either side.

Mundo Deportivo further add that other Italian sides are also interested in the Danish international, with Inter Milan also reportedly keen on his services.

Although no fee is given, the popular transfer website Transfermarkt gives Christensen a value of just above £16 million.

United need new centre-backs this summer

United targeting at least one new centre-back this summer makes a lot of sense, and they may need to sign further reinforcements in the department.

Although new reports claim that Harry Maguire is now set to stay at the club for at least one more season after impressing Rúben Amorim, both Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelöf are currently expected to leave in the summer.

Both players’ contracts are expiring at the end of June 2025, and although there have been no reports on whether Evans will depart or sign a further deal, everything indicated that Lindelöf will leave.

Although United signed two new centre-backs in the summer, Matthijs de Ligt and Leny Yoro, and both have performed well, United’s defensive frailties remain, with some also worried about the long-term performances of Lisandro Martínez.

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