West Ham United negotiating with Barcelona for Martin Braithwaite - report

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The transfer is close

West Ham United are close to cutting a deal with Barcelona for striker Martin Braithwaite, according to several reports. The forward could go for a similar amount compared to the money paid by the Catalans to Leganés - 18 million euro.

Braithwaite was signed as an emergency replacement for Ousmane Dembélé, using a rule that allowed them to make one signing outside of the transfer window. Luis Suárez was also injured at the time, which made Barcelona eager to get some depth in. However, the coronavirus pandemic hit - prompting a pause to football, and actually gave Suárez time to recover and finish out the league season.

Braithwaite has possibly played his last minutes as a Barcelona player already, as he is ineligible to play in the UEFA Champions League since the rule that allowed him to be signed only applies to La Liga.

West Ham finished 16th in last season’s Premier League. The Hammers have been in the top flight since 2011.

Source: barcablaugranes.com