Latest developments
- Newcastle United want to sign Andreas Christensen from Barcelona.
- The Dane arrived at Camp Nou in 2022 from Chelsea.
- The sale of Christensen could free Barça up to register Dani Olmo.
Whisper+ analysis
Authenticity (2.5/5): A lot goes through Fichajes rumour mill
Defender Andreas Christensen is wanted by Newcastle, and his sale could be beneficial to Barcelona, who will then be free to re-register Dani Olmo in January.
This news comes from fichajes.net, a Spanish site for whom no transfer rumour is too outlandish, though Barcelona's delicate financial situation gives some plausibility.
Value (4.5/5): Newcastle can benefit too
The importance of Olmo means Christensen could be sacrificed for a cheap price, under or around his £25 million valuation, depending on what they need to balance the books. Considering they signed him for free, a fee of any size will be a help.
This is all great news for Newcastle, who won't have to overspend on an experienced Premier League centre-back who is still only 28.
Suitability (4.5/5): Only concern is fitness
An Achilles tendon injury has limited Christensen to just one appearance this season and he is expected to be out until next month.
A lack of match sharpness would be the only worry for Newcastle, who would be getting a UEFA Champions League, Europa League and La Liga winner, who is at home in pretty much any defensive system.
Upgrade? (3.5/5): Magpies defence can improve
Sitting in the bottom half of the table, their defence has been reasonably solid this season, conceding 21 times in 16 matches.
But to get back to competing for Champions League football, they need players of the calibre of Christensen, who would be looking to take either Dan Burn's or Fabian Schar's starting berth.
Logic (4/5): Does he want a Premier League return?
For Barcelona, this deal makes plenty of sense given their predicament surrounding Olmo. Newcastle's finances are healthy, but they have to be careful not to fall foul of PSR, making the cheap price appealing.
Christensen was on loan from Chelsea the last time the Blues won the Premier League. The Magpies might be some way off a title challenge, but if he has unfinished business in England, then this move will appeal.
Whisper+ verdict: 19/25
A proven winner with top experience at a price that Newcastle can (likely) afford, while doing Barcelona a big favour at the same time. Keep an eye on this one!
