Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has provided an update on the contract situation of defender Andreas Christensen.
Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has conceded that Andreas Christensen could leave on a free transfer after the ongoing season. The 25-year-old’s contract with the Blues comes to an end in the summer, and he will be free to join any club on a Bosman transfer.
Tuchel was quizzed about Christensen’s contract situation and his future with the club. The former Borussia Dortmund boss admitted that the centre-back might leave them in the summer as he hasn’t put pen to paper on a new deal.
“We hear the rumours with Andreas and it’s been like this for many months,” the Chelsea manager said in the pre-match conference ahead of their Premier League clash against Norwich City on Thursday.
“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,” he added.
Chelsea manager Tuchel on Andreas Christensen set to join Barça: “We hear the rumours – it’s clear and we are not happy about it. We have to consider the possibility he leaves us. Will we like it? No…”, he said. ? #CFC
Barça are working to complete final details very soon. pic.twitter.com/ANVnbSrx9A
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 9, 2022
Tuchel stressed that he doesn’t intend to take Christensen’s decision to move on personally while highlighting that the Denmark international can have a great career at Chelsea if he extends his contract with the club.
“If things happen, it’s normally the best thing not to take them personally. He is still our player and we will do what is best for us while he is a Chelsea player. 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.”
“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,” the Chelsea manager said.
The 25-year-old has been linked with a move to Barcelona, who seem favourites to complete his signature. Apart from Christensen, Chelsea are set to lose two more defenders – Cesar Azpilicueta and Antonio Rudiger – on free transfers as their contracts expire in the summer as well.
