Barcelona Eyes January Transfer Window after Christensen ACL Injury

Hansi Flick mengatakan Barcelona mungkin akan mencari bek baru pada Januari 2026 setelah Andreas Christensen mengalami cedera ACL (anterior cruciate ligament).

The latest situation left the Blaugrana short of players in the center back position before the 2-0 victory over Villarreal in LaLiga on Sunday, December 21, 2025.

Christensen, whose contract expires next summer, is expected to be out for several months after suffering a knee injury in training on Saturday, December 20, 2025.

Ronald Araujo is also currently absent after receiving a mental health leave. Meanwhile, Eric Garcia has to play in the midfield and Jules Kounde still plays as a right back, which means left back Gerard Martin has been paired with Pau Cubarsi in the central defender position in recent weeks.

"We'll see later. I'll talk to (Sports Director) Deco (on Monday, December 22, 2025, local time)."

"For me, first and foremost, the most important thing is that Andreas returns in good condition, everyone must support him. He is in very good condition."

"He played well in the Copa (del Rey) and was fantastic in training. It's sad because this is a continuation of his injury, I wish him the best and hope he comes back soon," said Hansi Flick about the chance to bring in a new defender in January 2026.

ESPN reported earlier this week that Barcelona had made the recruitment of a centre-back next summer a priority after failing to replace Inigo Martinez at the start of the season following his move to Al Nassr.

Pau Torres and Nico Schlotterbeck are among the defenders they are monitoring although it seems unlikely either will be available in January 2026 or Barcelona have the funds to make a deal.

However, Flick gave better news on injuries, easing concerns over Kounde's fitness after the Frenchman was withdrawn in the second half of the win over Villarreal.

"I think it's not a big deal, he's been sick for three days this week. However, in every situation, he always says he will give his best."

"He told me that he just felt cramps. So, hopefully it's not a muscle injury, but we have to check it when we get back home," said Flick.

Meanwhile, Barcelona ended 2025 with an eighth consecutive win in LaLiga after Raphinha's penalty and Lamine Yamal's goal beat Villarreal and restored a four-point lead over Real Madrid.

Yamal's goal, his ninth of the season in all competitions, came after Renato Veiga was sent off late in the first half for a late tackle on the young Barcelona player.

The decision was not well received by Villarreal supporters, who booed Yamal for the rest of the match, but Flick said his goal was the best response to the boos.

"That's it. Of course, in my opinion it was a clear red card. After this, it's clear they are focused on Lamine and he has to deal with it. He scored the second goal. I think it's the best answer," Flick said of the boos.

Villarreal coach Marcelino said he felt the red card was more like an 'orange card', but understood VAR did not overturn the decision on the pitch given the nature of the tackle.

Marcelino also praised his team - who had won six consecutive league games before the defeat against Barcelona - for their performance with 10 players plus the brilliance of Barcelona goalkeeper Joan Garcia, who made five saves.

Flick also appreciated Joan Garcia's performance which made his team achieve a clean sheet.

"You can see today he helped us with his saves to keep the goal clean. He's an important player for us."

"I'm happy about this win and for my players, you can see today they are a little tired. However, the most important thing is the three points and Joan kept his goal clean. He played fantastic, I'm happy about that," said Flick about his goalkeeper.

LaLiga is now on a break until the New Year, with Barcelona players not training until December 29, 2025. The next game is away against city rivals Espanyol on January 3, 2025.