West Ham to make striker bid that would be accepted ‘without hesitation’

Samuel Bannister 03 Feb 2021 1:20 PM

West Ham are reportedly trying to sign Martin Braithwaite from Barcelona for next season, but the striker has already snubbed another Premier League club.

Braithwaite was a surprise signing for Barcelona in January 2020 as they looked for a backup striker. The former Middlesbrough man only scored once in his first six months at the club.

However, he has enjoyed some better spells in his first full season at Camp Nou. To date in 2020-21, he has six goals in all competitions despite only making 12 starts.

The Denmark international has even netted three times in the Champions League. However, his long-term future at Barcelona remains unclear.

Braithwaite is under contract until 2024, but is already receiving offers to leave. According to Mundo Deportivo, West Brom wanted to sign him on loan on deadline day.

Sam Allardyce was in the market for attacking reinforcements, even after the addition of Mbaye Diagne. It is claimed they approached Barca over a potential loan deal until the end of the season.

The deal was dismissed, though – more so from the player’s part. Braithwaite is content with his opportunities at Barca, even though he is not a regular starter.

Indeed, it seems unlikely he would get a big move elsewhere, so the role of Barcelona backup is one that most players of his calibre would love to have.

However, that does not mean he will be in Catalonia forever. In fact, his name could come up on the market again in the summer.

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According to Todofichajes, West Ham now want to sign him. After selling Sebastien Haller to Ajax, they failed to bring in a replacement in January.

David Moyes has not ruled out a future signing, though. The Hammers boss said he was waiting for the right option and could use the funds available in the summer.

Talks ongoing for Braithwaite

Braithwaite was one of the names mentioned as a potential target at the London Stadium in the build-up to the January transfer window.

Now, that interest could be reignited. The report claims West Ham even spoke about Braithwaite in recent days, but it was too late to do a deal.

However, they have agreed to continue negotiations with Barcelona. The La Liga giants refused to allow Braithwaite to leave in the summer due to Luis Suarez departing as well, but the situation could be different in a few months.

It is claimed that Barcelona would be willing to sell Braithwaite at the end of the season. West Ham are willing to offer €15m plus add-ons, and Barca would accept this sum “without hesitation”.

The Blaugrana are struggling financially, meaning this windfall would be most welcome – even though it is slightly less than what West Ham would have paid last summer.

For his part, Braithwaite would be inclined to accept West Ham’s offer. While he was hesitant about moving to West Brom, the Hammers are in a much more appealing position.

Therefore, if West Ham lodge a formal offer, they could be successful.

Martin Braithwaite