Martin Braithwaite is one of the leading candidates to leave Barcelona in the summer transfer window as the club look to raise funds for reinforcements. The striker was a rare out-of-transfer window signing in 2020 for a total amount of 18 million pounds.
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The Catalans signed him in a desperate move to secure an attacker after facing multiple injury issues, and everyone’s initial reaction was that Braithwaite was not suited for a club like Barca. He did not really look like an impact signing which was going to be permanent and long term hence, him leaving in the summer looks inevitable. Reports from SPORT now suggest that 4 different Premier League clubs are interested in landing the forward.
Martin Braithwaite linked with a Barcelona exit
Barcelona also landed Sergio Aguero from Manchester City on a free transfer and they also officially announced Olympic Lyon’s Memphis Depay a few days ago. So currently they have two forwards who are well established and are guaranteed to bring better numbers and consistent performances.
Braithwaite never really fit in at Barcelona. He’s a brilliant forward but he failed to deliver at that high level which is required of a Blaugrana. While it is true that Braithwaite has contributed to last season’s success in the Copa del Rey, his inconsistency will likely cost him his spot on the squad.
The same reports from SPORT also suggest that with the arrival of Memphis Depay and Sergio Aguero, Barca have informed Braithwaite that he will not be getting minutes even if he stays and decides to fight for his place. Hence, a move away in the summer for the 30-year-old is advised especially while Premier League clubs’ interest in him still remains.
These reports also suggest that English clubs such as Brighton and Hove Albion, West Ham United, Burnley, and newly-promoted Norwich City are all monitoring the forward’s situation. It also looks like the Catalans are negotiating with a Russian club but a move to the Premier League will be more ideal for the forward.
Braithwaite delivered in patches for the Blaugrana. Consistent performances and performances at the highest stages are required when you’re a forward for Barcelona. Even after signing, given the lack of forwards in the club, he could barely make the starting 11. The club are looking to get rid of him as soon as possible and the ideal situation for the club is that Braithwaite does not have to return for pre-seasons after the Euros. He can just join the interested club right after the Euros, hopefully giving Barca an additional fund boost to secure reinforcements. Hence, the Catalans are looking to speed things up.
However, the player is having the best time at the Euros. Individually he’s been brilliant and his team have qualified for the knockout stages of the tournament. This will likely raise his value enough for Premier League sides to pay up what the Catalans want for his transfer.
Is Braithwaite’s sale the right thing to do?