Everton has suffered a fresh transfer blow as transfer target Martin Braithwaite may stay at Barcelona.
FC Barcelona is undergoing major surgery with Ronald Koeman showing his ruthless side and discarding some senior members and big wage earners like Luis Suarez, Ivan Rakitic and Arturo Vidal. Another Barcelona forward, Martin Braithwaite, was expected to be on the axe list.
The name of Everton first emerged a couple of months ago in Martin Braithwaite chase when there were talks of Lautaro Martinez arriving at Barcelona and the Denmark International paving way for him in the squad. The Toffees always kept an eye on Braithwaite but were soon joined by West Ham United. In fact, Hammers gained an advantage over Royal Blues and were in advanced negotiations with Barca, as per The Sun.
No deal materialized allowing other suitors to rejoin the race. With Moise Kean likely to depart on loan to Juventus, Carlo Ancelotti will want to bring a striker to bolster the attack department. Martin Braithwaite could be a strong choice for the Italian coach.
However, to everyone’s shock, Martin Braithwaite may stay at Barcelona. According to Mundo Deportivo, Ronald Koeman is yet to assess the future of Martin Braithwaite but there are chances that the 29 year old could stay at Nou Camp.
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Perhaps, it was expected for the former Leganes striker to leave Barcelona. He was never a long term option for Barcelona but now that may change after Koeman’s arrival. He has so far only received positive reports about Braithwaite. The striker has shown commitment, professionalism and hunger in the training, prompting Koeman to make a positive decision regarding Dane’s future.
Ronald Koeman wants to have players in the squad who have adequate La Liga experience under their belt and the 29 year old forward certainly ticks that box. Despite not showing his absolute best in 11 games played for the Blaugrana last season, his talent still remains respected and his competence may help him another chance at Barca.
Everton have been linked to a few more Barcelona players in the transfer window and a late push cannot be ruled out. The file of Martin Braithwaite can be considered as closed for now with Koeman showing confidence in the former Leganes man. However, the Toffees can still manage to get a deal for Rafinha or even Jean-Clair Todibo over the line.