Martin Braithwaite was arguably one of the weirdest signings made during the Josep Maria Bartomeu era. The center-forward was picked up from Leganes for a fee of just 18.5 million euros but has not provided much for the club. At a time when Barcelona needs to start selling all the players whom they do not regularly use, Braithwaite’s name falls into the list of people who need to be sold. However, the striker is confident in his abilities and believes that he will enjoy many successful seasons with the Catalans.
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The 29-year-old ex-Middlesbrough striker was definitely a strange choice even though he was only meant to be a backup to their main striker, Luis Suarez. However, after the departure of the world-class striker, Braithwaite was the only proper number nine left and Ronald Koeman was forced to play him as his main striker when he played a formation without a false nine. The player has also been played on the wings due to the absence of Ansu Fati and although he is not doing badly, he is nowhere near to what a Barcelona striker should be producing.
For example, Suarez, their former striker, has already scored 16 goals in 17 La Liga appearances. On the other hand, Braithwaite has managed to score only two goals in the league and only six goals in all competitions. He is clearly not a striker who can play at Barcelona’s level and thus Koeman is actively trying to replace him.
Braithwaite wants to succeed at Barcelona
The Dutch manager has already tried to bring in Lautaro Martinez and Memphis Depay before, and will most probably try to get the Dutch player on a free transfer next season. Despite these rumors, Braithwaite is confident about his career with the Catalans and said in an interview with TV3,
"“There’s no option of leaving in the winter window or at the end of the season, next year I’ll keep fighting for my objectives,”Source Sport"
In a more recent interview with Canal Football Club, the player once again reiterated his desire to stay with Barcelona and achieve his goals. He is not looking to leave the club anytime soon but should the Catalans find a more competent striker next season, they should sell the Danish player as it would help them out financially.
Should Barca sell or keep Braithwaite?