West Ham in talks with LaLiga giants over striker deal

West Ham have opened talks with Barcelona over the chance to sign Martin Braithwaite, according to reports in Spain.

Braithwaite’s move from Leganes to Barcelona in January was one of the most surprising deals of the transfer market. The La Liga giants brought him in as an emergency signing up front following injuries to Luis Suarez and Ousmane Dembele.

However, the former Middlesbrough man has only managed to score one goal for the Blaugrana. Therefore, they are now looking to offload him – and he could return to England.

According to Mundo Deportivo, West Ham are in talks to sign Braithwaite. Barcelona are asking for a fee of around €18m (£16m).

The report observes that West Ham have been tracking Braithwaite ever since his time at Leganes. The Danish forward scored 13 goals in 48 games across 18 months there.


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They are not the only Premier League suitor for the 29-year-old, however. Everton are also in the hunt, and are hoping to use their good relationship with Barcelona to their advantage.

The Toffees have signed the likes of Lucas Digne, Andre Gomes and Yerry Mina from Barca in recent years. And Braithwaite could become the next player to switch from Camp Nou to Goodison Park.

Several La Liga teams, including Sevilla, Real Sociedad and Valladolid, are also interested in Braithwaite. However, the financial situation in Spain may push Braithwaite towards England.

The striker previously spent two seasons in the Championship with Middlesbrough. On both occasions, though, he left on loan in January.

He was on the move in the winter market again this year, this time from Leganes – who bought him in 2019 – to Barcelona. Despite signing a four-year contract, it appears he may have played his last game for the Catalan club.

Braithwaite is not involved in Barcelona’s Champions League squad, and besides, the forwards he came in to cover for have since returned from injury.

Therefore, Barca are ready to cash in on him. The La Liga runners up want to recoup the €18m release clause they paid Leganes for him in January.