Andreas Christensen is leaving Chelsea at the end of the season. The exit is perhaps a bitter one, considering he has spent the better part of the decade at Stamford Bridge. A move to Barcelona is likely. He was left out of the squad in Chelsea’s penultimate game of the season against Leicester City. He also missed the FA Cup final against Liverpool.
The Danish defender would perhaps feel hard done by, considering his long association with the West London club and his crucial role in the Champions League triumph last season. He came on as a substitute for the injured Thiago Silva. He held his own and was able to hold his own against a formidable City attack and keep a clean sheet.
Manager Thomas Tuchel stated in December that Christensen is not being featured in order to convince him to sign an extension. But that strategy seems to have been ineffective. The rise of Trevor Chalobah further mitigated the Danish star’s absence.
Although there were talks of an extension in the past, it is now widely speculated that the defender will be following teammate Antonio Rudiger to Spain. Rudiger on the other hand is receiving a much more warm welcome from the Chelsea faithful. His aggressiveness and outward displays of passion have enamoured fans and rivals alike. His absence will leave a glaring hole in Chelsea’s back three.
What Next For Christensen?
Jules Kounde of Sevilla is widely touted as the defender’s replacement. The French star will not come cheap, but with the new owners eager to prove their ambition, a move for him is a possibility.
It is indeed sad to see a Cobham graduate lose his respect from his own fans. A move may now best suit both parties. Christensen on his day is a solid, ball-playing CB who can thrive in most clubs.
His performances have declined in the final months of the season, and a change in scenery can surely benefit him. Chelsea too can look to bolster their defence, with club captain Cesar Azpilecueta leaving at the end of the season as well. A summer revamp with the investment of Todd Boehly might be underway at Fulham Road.
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