Barcelona are reportedly looking to bring in Leganes forward Martin Braithwaite as their emergency window signing in a deal that will likely cost them €15 million.
According to Sky Sports, Martin Braithwaite could be in line for a wondrous move to join La Liga giants Barcelona by the looks of it. The Catalan giants are reportedly targeting the Leganes forward as their emergency window signing and are ready to activate his €15 million release clause to bring him to the Nou Camp.
Barcelona were first targeting Real Sociedad veteran Willian Jose. But, it seems they have chosen to shift to Braithwaite, who they deem a more achievable transfer. Barcelona were granted permission by La Liga to get in a player outside of the orthodox transfer windows due to an injury crisis in attack.
Martin Braithwaite is crucial to Leganes right now. The 28-year-old forward has scored six times in 24 appearances in the league this season. More importantly, his goals alone have won Leganes five points so far this season and the club would hope for more of the same through the second half of the season, with Leganes currently 19th and 2 points away from safety.
Barcelona have Ousmane Dembele and Luis Suarez out injured, leaving just Antoine Griezmann and Lionel Messi as senior options in attack. Braithwaite might be a stopgap but his movement and style will gel in well with Barcelona’s style of play and the 28-year-old could be a game-changer in La Liga for the Catalan giants.
But, Braithwaite or any other player that arrives will only be eligible to represent Barcelona in La Liga, with the Spanish giants having already submitted their squad for the knockout phase of the Champions League.
Leganes, on the other hand, will be powerless if Barcelona do activate Braithwaite’s €15 million release clause. They are currently 19th and will lose their main forward with no opportunity provided to them to replace Braithwaite in case Barcelona do sign the 28-year-old.
While this puts a major question mark on the harsh reality of the emergency window provided to Barcelona, the Catalan giants won’t mind. What remains to be seen is whether Braithwaite takes up the opportunity to play for a club of Barcelona’s stature or stick to Leganes and help them in their relegation battle.
