Newly-promoted La Liga club Rayo Vallecano are reportedly interested in signing out-of-favour Barcelona forward Martin Braithwaite this summer.
According to SPORT, Barcelona striker Martin Braithwaite has emerged as a potential target for La Liga new boys Rayo Vallecano in the ongoing transfer window.
Braithwaite has completely fallen out of favour at Camp Nou and is no longer in the plans of manager Xavi Hernandez. Signed from Leganes in February 2020, the Danish forward was never a regular in the side at Barcelona but had his moments here and there when he made valuable contributions.
Braithwaite had made a good start to the 2021/22 campaign before an injury sidelined him until the turn of the year. Upon returning, he found himself well down the pecking order due to the additions of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Ferran Torres. Now, Barcelona have added Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha to their ranks, rendering the former Middlesbrough man surplus to requirements.
Barcelona have been trying to get rid of Braithwaite this summer and are looking for a fee of around €8 million for his services. However, the 31-year-old has maintained that he does not wish to leave the club as he is happy at Camp Nou and prepared to fight for his place in the side.
But following his omission from the pre-season squad for the United States tour, Braithwaite could be open to the prospect of an exit, with Dutch champions Ajax interested. Clubs in La Liga are also showing a lot of interest, with Valencia and Getafe keen on the veteran Danish international.
Now, newly-promoted La Liga side Rayo Vallecano have also set their sights on a possible move for Braithwaite. The report states that the 31-year-old would prefer to move to Madrid if he were to leave Barcelona, which has attracted the attention of both Vallecano and Getafe.
However, it is claimed that Vallecano would consider making a move for Braithwaite if his contract was terminated by Barcelona. The Catalan giants are open to such an option if the forward does not agree to leave or if they do not find any suitors to meet their asking price. So, it will be interesting to see how Braithwaite’s situation develops in the coming days.