Martin Braithwaite is set to leave Barcelona. According to Spanish news outlet Sport, his hefty pay is proving a stumbling block in identifying possible suitors.
Since recovering from a lengthy injury layoff, the Dane has struggled to obtain regular game time and is considering leaving the Camp Nou for better pastures. His contract with the club continues until 2024, and he earns €4 million per year, which is too much for interested parties such as Brighton & Hove Albion.
The Premier League club has been interested in him for long time but may not be able to afford his salary. Braithwaite is also reportedly wanted by West Ham United, Burnley, and Norwich City.
The Dane had a strong start to his 2021-22 season, scoring twice in the Blaugrana's 4-2 triumph over Real Sociedad on the opening day and making three consecutive starts. When the 30-year-old suffered a knee injury that kept him out for nearly four months, things were looking bright.
He has played just 10 minutes in La Liga since his return in mid-January, in a 4-0 win over Osasuna, and another 12 minutes in the Copa Del Rey against Athletic Bilbao.
Braithwaite also discussed a possible winter transfer with manager Xavi, who informed the player that he was not in his plans. However, because the Dane chose to stay in Catalonia, the club must now look for a solution in the summer.
Is Martin Braithwaite the worst January signing in Barcelona history?
Due to Ousmane Dembele's injury, the Blaugrana were granted an emergency exception to sign Braithwaite outside of the transfer window.
Braithwaite was an odd signing when he arrived for €18 million from Leganes, as many thought he wasn't even a prolific goalscorer to begin with. In 88 games for Middlesbrough, Bordeaux, and Leganes, he only scored 22 goals.
The striker's record with Barcelona isn't much better, with 10 goals in 58 games across all competitions, including just five in 44 La Liga appearances.
Even when fit, he was never more than a supporting character. Braithwaite is now on the bench for what could be his final few games with the club. Barcelona has made a number of notable signings in the past, but Braithwaite's is up there with the best.
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