Brighton, Celta and Valencia interested in out-of-favour Barcelona striker | OneFootball

With the summer transfer window almost upon us, Barcelona are planning a major squad clearout as they hope to get rid of players who do not belong in the plans of manager Xavi Hernandez moving forward.

One such out-of-favour, whose days at Camp Nou are numbered, is striker Martin Braithwaite, reports SPORT. Signed from CD Leganes in February 2020 as an emergency measure, the Dane has never been able to establish himself as a regular starter.

While he has impressed with his work rate and attitude during his time at the club, Braithwaite has not consistently exhibited the quality required of a Barcelona player.

The Danish international did start the 2021/22 season positively under Ronald Koeman before being struck down by an injury. By the time he returned to fitness, Xavi Hernandez had taken over the reins of the club.

The 42-year-old tactician informed Braithwaite to find a new club for himself during the January transfer window. But the striker stayed put despite having an offer from Brighton & Hove Albion.

However, he was hardly called upon by the manager in the second half of the season. And Xavi’s stance on the forward’s future has not changed. Once again, the former Middlesbrough star has been told to find a new club ahead of next season.

And, Brighton, who were snubbed by Braithwaite during the January window, remain interested in his services. In addition to the Premier League club, Barça’s La Liga rivals Celta Vigo and Valencia are also keen on signing the 30-year-old.

However, his wages are proving to be a major stumbling block as per the report. Braithwaite currently earns €4 million per year at Barcelona and is unwilling to compromise on that salary should he move to a new club in the summer.

But none of the interested parties can pay him the same amount, leading to a difficult situation for Barça. It could eventually lead to the Catalans accepting a potential loan deal for the Danish international as well.

But, as things stand, Braithwaite does not have a future at Camp Nou.