Barcelona have confirmed that Martin Braithwaite contract at Camp Nou has been terminated by mutual agreement.
The former Middlesbrough attacker struggled to establish himself as a regular starter for the Blaugrana after joining as an emergency acquisition in 2020, and was pushed down the pecking order by the arrivals of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Robert Lewandowski.
Braithwaite was not in Xavi’s plans early in the 2022-23 season and was booed by supporters before the Joan Gamper Trophy win over Pumas last month.
The 31-year-old was first thought to be refusing to end his contract at Camp Nou, which was set to expire in 2024, but the club has now announced that he has gone.
“FC Barcelona publicly expresses its gratitude to Braithwaite for his commitment and dedication, and wishes him the best of fortune and every success in the future,” the club said in a statement.
Agreement to terminate Martin Braithwaite’s contract with FC Barcelona
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) September 1, 2022
However, Braithwaite, mindful of his leverage and the fact that Barcelona was desperate to get rid of him, has played his cards brilliantly, resulting in a pay-out from Barcelona. Braithwaite issued a statement following the announcement, thanking fans for their support.
It’s been an honour to represent this club. I have always given my best for the fans and the club and I will forever be grateful for the support shown 🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/DUMW8zk6AJ
— Martin Braithwaite (@MartinBraith) September 1, 2022
Braithwaite joined in February 2020 to fill in for Ousmane Dembele, but he struggled to make an impression. He appeared in 58 games over two and a half seasons, scoring 10 goals and providing 5 assists. Overall, he will be remembered as another example of former Barcelona President Josep Maria Bartomeu’s legacy of overpaying for players.
See Also: Chelsea Finally Agree Aubameyang Deal With Barcelona
What’s Next for Braithwaite?
Braithwaite is set to join club’s local rivals Espanyol after leaving Barcelona. He is expected to sign a three-year contract with the Catalan club, and the agreement could be finalised within the next few hours.
Martin Braithwaite is now undergoing medical tests with Espanyol as he will sign his contract termination with Barcelona later today. 🚨🔵 #DeadlineDay
Braithwaite will sign with Espanyol on a three year deal, June 2025. pic.twitter.com/d4k2y3Zzp4
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 1, 2022
The Denmark international is not likely to be the only striker to depart Barcelona on transfer deadline day, as ex-Arsenal striker Aubameyang prepares to return to the Premier League with Chelsea.
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