Eredivisie champions Ajax are reportedly keen on securing the services of Barcelona outcast Martin Braithwaite in the summer transfer window.
Bert Sanders has revealed on the Pantelic Podcast that Martin Braithwaite is the subject of interest from Ajax over a possible move in the summer transfer window. New head coach Alfred Schreuder suggested the Barcelona outcast’s name after previously working with him at Camp Nou.
Martin Braithwaite joined Barcelona from Leganes as an emergency signing outside the transfer window due to bizarre rules in La Liga. And the 31-year-old has been a handy backup option for all his managers thus far, chipping in with goals regularly without ever complaining about his role as a substitute.
But the Danish international endured a frustrating 2021/22 season, even though he began the campaign strongly. While Ronald Koeman looked to utilise him, a long-term injury blighted him for the most part before he became an afterthought for Xavi Hernandez. As a result, Braithwaite turned out only four times for Barcelona, managing 236 minutes of game-time while scoring twice.
The experienced striker is now surplus to requirements for Barcelona, with Xavi Hernandez not including him in the plans for the 2022/23 season. The Catalan giants have left Braithwaite behind in Barcelona before embarking on their pre-season tour to the USA, making it amply clear that he is on the transfer list.
Recent reports have suggested that Barcelona will demand a paltry €8 million to part ways with Braithwaite this summer. And the Dane has no shortage of suitors either, with Eredivisie champions Ajax the latest club to show interest in him.
New Ajax head coach Alfred Schreuder has suggested Braithwaite’s name to the Dutch club’s board. Schreuder has previously worked with Braithwaite during his stint with Barcelona. And with Ajax in the market for a striker this summer following Sebastien Haller’s departure, the Barcelona outcast has emerged as a viable target.
The interest from Ajax will be music to Barcelona’s ears, as the Blaugrana had been considering terminating Braithwaite’s contract to get him off their books. But with the Dutch champions in the equation, the Catalan giants might be able to recoup something in his exchange this summer.