Barca Headache: Braithwaite insists on full payment b/4 exit

Barcelona forward Martin Braithwaite is reportedly refusing to leave the club unless he is fully compensated for the final two years of his contract at the Nou Camp.

Braithwaite, a Denmark international, is contracted at Barcelona until 2024 with the club having signed him from Leganes in 2020.

According to Sport, the Dane is refusing to bow to the club’s wishes and depart the club this summer, having seen a reduction in the money he is owed as per the contract he signed two years ago.

The report states that the former Middlesbrough forward was offered what they refer to as a letter of freedom, essentially a break clause that would ensure the Dane could decide his fate.

Braithwaite is believed to have rejected this offer and demanded to be paid his full salary for the remainder of his deal should he be forced out of the club this summer.

Barcelona have strengthened in attacking areas with Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski this summer and need to trim their bloated wage bill to register new signings ahead of LaLiga’s August 13 deadline.

It had been reported at the back end of last season that Braithwaite had told manager Xavi that he wished to stay and fight for his place in the team in the new campaign.

Barcelona, looking to make up for a number of costly mistakes in their playing squad, told the player in no uncertain terms that he would not get game time this season. He was excluded from their pre-season tour to the United States.

Sport reports that there is some displeasure amongst the Barcelona hierarchy for how events are unfolding, with some club figures having felt that the players should accept the proposed wage cuts as a means of ensuring the long-term survival of the club.

This summer has been dominated by stories of Barcelona asking players to forgo previously agreed wages.