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Barcelona close-in on Ousmane Dembele’s replacement

By Ernesto Hernandez

Ousmane Dembele of FC Barcelona during the UEFA Champions League semi final match between FC Barcelona and Liverpool FC at Camp Nou on May 01, 2019 in Barcelona, Spain(Photo by VI Images via Getty Images)
Ousmane Dembele of FC Barcelona during the UEFA Champions League semi final match between FC Barcelona and Liverpool FC at Camp Nou on May 01, 2019 in Barcelona, Spain(Photo by VI Images via Getty Images) /
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Barcelona reach an agreement to sign Martin Braithwaite from Leganes.

Barcelona have found their replacement for the injured Ousmane Dembélé in the form of Martin Braithwaite. The Catalans are set to pay Leganes the player’s full release clause and will join the club for the rest of the season.

According to Sport, only minor details are left to be sort out and Braithwaite will sign a contract until the summer of 2023.

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Barcelona had no other option but to pay the €18 million release clause as Leganes refused to negotiate.

The plan is for the player to be announced as soon as possible and be available for the club’s next game against Eibar.

ESPN report that Braithwaite had already agreed to personal terms with Barca and were awaiting for the two clubs to come to an agreement.

Despite the transfer window being closed, Quique Setien’s side was allowed an exception because Ousmane Dembélé was going to be out for at least five months.

Getafe’s Angel Rodriguez had been the frontrunner for a while and had seemingly proved his case after scoring in their 2-1 loss to Barcelona.

But Braithwaite pushed ahead as manager Quique Setién preferred him over Rodriguez because the Danish forward can play other roles in the attack.

For Setién, it’s a welcome signing as he’s seen his options up top depleted not only with the injury to Dembélé but to Luis Suarez as well. But it’s important to remember that Braithwaite will only be allowed to play in the league.

However, it’s a blow to Leganes and manager Javier Aguirre. Not only do they lose their reference point in attack but unlike Barcelona, they are not allowed to sign a replacement. Leganes are currently battling relegation so losing an important players makes their task even more daunting.

As for Braithwaite, he has to be more than thrilled. Just last season he was playing for Middlesbrough before being loaned out to Leganes. Now he’s on the verge of making  a move to one of the biggest clubs in Europe.

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The plan is still to sign a striker during the summer. It’s another reason why Braithwaite was chosen over Rodriguez. They believe he has more of a resale value should he perform well and the club decide to sell him.

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