Martin Braithwaite is set to join Espanyol on a free transfer after having his contract at Barcelona terminated.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Espanyol is all set to sign Barcelona forward Martin Braithwaite on a free transfer. The striker is already undergoing his medical with Barça’s local rivals and will put pen to paper on a three-year deal soon.
Martin Braithwaite arrived at Camp Nou from Leganes as an emergency signing outside the transfer window due to unique rules in La Liga amidst an injury crisis in the striker department. And the 31-year-old has proven to be a valuable backup option for all of his managers so far, chipping in with 10 goals and 5 assists from just 22 starts in the process.
However, the Danish forward has had a difficult few months at Barcelona this summer, with the attacker becoming a scapegoat for animosity from his own fans. The arrival of players such as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Robert Lewandowski meant he had fallen behind in the pecking order in the first team, and despite having a contract until 2024, he has been asked to leave Camp Nou.
Head coach Xavi has already indicated that the 31-year-old will not be a part of his plans for the ongoing season. Barcelona have spent the whole summer attempting to sell the Danish international to make room in their squad and lower their wage bill given the influx of players who have come and may yet arrive at Camp Nou this summer.
Martin Braithwaite has just signed the contract termination with FC Barcelona. It’s over — so he’s now gonna sign three year deal with Espanyol. ?? #DeadlineDay pic.twitter.com/7eXY0wzDdS
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 1, 2022
The 60-capped Danish international has been pursued by a number of clubs across Europe throughout the summer. Spanish clubs, in particular, have seriously considered signing him in the summer, especially given his fairly solid record in La Liga.
However, with the last hours of deadline day looming large, Barcelona have finally made the breakthrough with regards to a mutual contract termination. Braithwaite will now officially become a free agent, and he can agree on a deal with his new club even after Thursday’s deadline.
Nonetheless, Romano has now claimed that a deal has been agreed between Espanyol and Braithwaite, who will undergo a medical at the La Liga side. The versatile attacker is thought to have agreed to a three-year deal with Espanyol, with the option to stay in Barcelona heavily influencing his decision.
The Dane’s extensive experience at the top level of football could be valuable for Espanyol. Aiming to reignite his career after a dismal spell at Barça, the former Middlesbrough and Leganes starlet will compete alongside Raul de Tomas and Joselu at Espanyol.
Also, De Tomas is strongly linked with a move away from the club on deadline day, with a host of Premier League clubs interested in his signature, including Fulham who are in pole position to secure his services.
