Barcelona flop available for FREE despite scoring 20 goals - Romano

Tom Weber

Updated: 8 May 2024 15:30 BST
2 min read

Fabrizio Romano, Barcelona, 2023/24 — © IMAGO

Espanyol striker Martin Braithwaite could be available on a free transfer this summer, according to Fabrizio Romano.

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The notorious former Barcelona flop, who was once the subject of one of LaLiga's most infamous recent transfer sagas, has been in brilliant form for the Blaugrana's relegated city rivals in the Spanish second tier.

The former Middlesbrough striker has netted a whopping 20 goals despite having tried to force his way out of Espanyol last summer following their demotion from the top flight. No move materialised and it proved to be a blessing for the Barcelona outfit, who currently sit fourth in LaLiga2.

Fabrizio Romano already revealed in January that the Dane has a bit of a strange contract with the Catalans and this subsequently gave rise to shocking transfer links to Man Utd and Chelsea. The 32-year-old is a bargain and he could be available for nothing this summer, according to Romano.

STATS

Martin Braithwaite

AM (L), F (CR)

Espanyol

Martin Braithwaite

AM (L), F (CR)

Espanyol

37

Games
20

Goals
2

Assists

Braithwaite's strange contract

According to the Italian transfer expert, Braithwaite will be available on a free transfer this summer if Espanyol get promoted this season. If they stay in the second tier, clubs will have to pay €600,000 to acquire his services.

It seems strange because you would think that it should be the other way around, but then again, things have rarely been straightforward and sensible in the Danish striker's career.

Prior to his move to Espanyol in 2022, Braithwaite was on the books at Barcelona, having been signed from Leganes in early 2020. It was a move that sparked massive controversy because he was signed after the January window had closed with a special LaLiga rule allowing Barcelona to sign him as an injury replacement.

Leganes, however, were not allowed to make use of that rule and thus lost their star striker without the ability to fill the gap left by his departure. The club would end up getting relegated from LaLiga at the end of the season. After several years in the second tier, they are finally on track to return as they sit atop the standings.