Danish striker Martin Braithwaite, who has been out-of-favour in the Catalan side for some time now, especially after the signings of Premier League trio Ferran Torres, Adama Traore, and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, with whom the Spanish giants have been having some success in recent times.
As a result, Braithwaite has not been getting the minutes that he earlier used to, last featuring in Barca’s defeat against Atheltic Club in the Copa Del Rey, where they crashed out in the last 16. It also does not seem as if the situation is going to get any better for Braithwaite, and there are reports that suggest that the 30-year old striker is eyeing a move away from the club in the summer transfer window.
Braithwaite’s contract does not expire until 2024, but it seems unlikely that he will get significant playing time in the near future, especially with Aubameyang doing extremely well, and Sevilla loan player Luuk de Jong also getting the job done whenever required. Such being the case, Braithwaite has fallen massively in the Barcelona pecking order, and a move away might be the best solution for all parties involved.
Braithwaite’s position in the side is further threatened by the returning Memphis Depay, who was out with an injury. Although available and on several occasions, even drafted into the matchday squad, manager Xavi has not given Braithwaite any minutes on the pitch in the last seven games. Ferran Torres has firmly established himself as the number one left-wing choice, while Aubameyang has made the central spot his own. Ousmane Dembele and Spaniard Adama Traore have been competing for the spot on the right-hand side in the last few games.
The Denmark striker missed the all-important Atletico Madrid clash, and also both legs of the UEFA Europa League Round of 16 encounter against Napoli, which the Catalans won across two legs. It would not be an overstatement to say that Xavi currently does not even see Braithwaite as an option, after he fielded rookie Ferran Jutgla against Alaves over the experienced Braithwaite.
All in all, it looks like Braithwaite’s time at Barcelona is over, and that a move away from the club would suit both parties very well.
