Barcelona signed Martin Braithwaite in February 2020 on an emergency basis. Despite the transfer window having closed weeks earlier, a long term injury to Ousmane Dembele meant La Liga rules allowed them to make an addition.
They paid Leganes €18m, and reports quickly indicated that Barca would look to sell in following window. There were even claims in the Catalan media that Braithwaite’s agents had been informed of this at the time of the move, and despite him signing a contract until 2024, it was always supposed to be a short term relationship.
West Ham were quickly presented as a potential destination, with interest from the Hammers reported repeatedly. David Moyes side continue to be mentioned by the Catalan media, with today’s edition of Mundo Deportivo naming West Ham and Valencia as interested parties.
The Denmark international’s family are also content with their life in the area, and last week Braithwaite’s wife opened a health food cafe on a beach near the city.
Given all of that, Mundo Deportivo say that to be convinced to move, Braithwaite requires a pay rise. He’s tempted by game time elsewhere, however, the only trigger which could prise him and his family away from Catalonia would be a big pile of money.
Whether West Ham and Moyes want to provide that remains to be seen.
