Out-of-favour Barcelona forward heading for summer exit – sources | OneFootball

The future of Martin Braithwaite at Barcelona looks bleak and the picture is pretty much clear.

The 30-year-old Denmark international hasn’t played since appearing as a late substitute against Athletic Club in the Copa del Rey round of 16 exit in January and judging by the look of things, the situation isn’t going to change either.

In fact, Mundo Deportivo report that Braithwaite is more likely to leave than stay in the summer transfer window.

Braithwaite has a contract until 2024, but early signs show the former Toulouse frontman might as well be forced to leave in the summer since he has fallen way down the pecking order in Xavi’s attack.

To begin with, winter signing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is an unassailable presence, while Luuk de Jong has done well whenever called upon. The Sevilla loanee has, in fact, exceeded expectations in the second half of the season, to say the very least.

Then on the left, Ferran Torres has Xavi’s full confidence while Adama Traore and Ousmane Dembele are enjoying a healthy rivalry on the right.

Not to forget Memphis Depay recently marked his return with a goal while Ansu Fati is nearing full fitness too. All this leaves Braithwaite completely out of plans, and it’s very much evident. Since playing those 15 minutes against Athletic Club, the Dane has failed to get even a solitary minute on the field.

He did have a great start to the 2021-22 season, scoring two and assisting one against Real Sociedad, but since injuring his knee against Getafe, a lot has changed at the club.

Despite being available for selection and even making it to the matchday squads, Braithwaite hasn’t played in any of Barça’s last seven matches across all competitions.

This includes the all-important match against Atletico Madrid and the two-legged Europa League tie against Napoli. His stocks have fallen to the extent that a certain Ferran Jutgla was preferred against Alaves over Braithwaite.

And to say all this marks the end of the forward’s journey would be a sheer understatement as Barcelona are rightly expected to reinforce their attack in the summer.