Martin Braithwaite not ready to leave Barcelona, sources tell BB

Photo by Pedro Salado/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images

West Ham United are said to be interested

Martin Braithwaite wants to stay at Barcelona and continue to fight for more minutes, despite reports that West Ham United are in for him.

Today, a Barcelona-focused site published that a source close to Braithwaite said a move to England was “off the table.”

We can confirm that report having spoken to other people within his orbit.

West Ham United were reportedly in for Braithwaite in the summer 2016 and winter 2016-17 transfer windows. The move never materialized. It has been reported in two leading Spanish newspapers that West Ham have negotiated with Barcelona for the player’s rights for next season.

Braithwaite was signed as an emergency replacement for Ousmane Dembélé this year after the latter received a long-term injury. The Catalans paid his release clause and were able to take him from Leganés outside the transfer window, thanks to a special rule. That rule only applies to La Liga, so he is not eligible to play in the UEFA Champions League this season.

Whether West Ham, or indeed any team, can convince Braithwaite to join their project and leave Barcelona remains to be seen. But as it stands, Braithwaite is focused on Barcelona.

Source: barcablaugranes.com