Barcelona have a problem with Danish striker Braithwaite

Martin Braithwaite was a regular at the start of the season for Barcelona. He played the first three games, scored two goals and then injured his knee. He underwent surgery and was out for four months. When he returned, the coach had changed and Xavi Hernandez only handed him 22 minutes: 10 in LaLiga against Osasuna and 12 in the Copa del Rey at Athletic Club.

Braithwaite is not in Xavi's plans and is on the list of players who will be allowed to leave the club this summer, as drawn up by Xavi. The club, despite the fact not playing could hinder his World Cup aspirations with Denmark, are aware they have a problem with him because he has a contract until 2024 and is not rushing to leave.

Sources say that conversations between the club and Braithwaite always end with the same response. "I am only thinking of succeeding at Barça, nothing else," the Dane says. He did not want to leave last summer, either, after a decent summer with his country at the delayed Euro 2020.

Proposals have arrived for the player. Celta Vigo are keen on a loan, viewing him as a replacement for Santi Mina, but Barça are conscious of the fact the player is unlikely to accept the move. In fact, he has almost ruled out a loan this week: "I have a family to think about. The kids would have to change school for a year. I don't see it as an option."

Strange signing

Braithwaite arrived at Barça in February 2020 from Leganes. The team, then coached by Quique Setien, needed strengthening in attack and paid his 18 million euro release clause. He signed a four-and-a-half-year deal. He has played 57 times for Barça and scored 10 goals.