Barcelona reach agreement to sell €15 million-rated striker, player refuses to leave

According to reports from Gerard Romero of RAC1, Barcelona now find a new obstacle in the operation of Martin Braithwaite’s departure.

The Blaugrana had earlier reached an agreement with a foreign team to sell the Danish striker for a fee of 15 million Euros. In a recent turn of events, however, Braithwaite has reportedly changed his mind.

The No.9 now feels that he can fight and earn a spot on Ronald Koeman’s side. If anything, Lionel Messi’s departure has only made it easier for the striker to establish himself.

In two preseason games, Braithwaite has scored twice. The latest of the goals was a thunderous header from a set-piece against Juventus, and that could do the striker’s confidence a world of good.

After having a fantastic tournament with his national team last month, the Dane’s stocks were sky-high. Given their difficult economic circumstances, Barcelona placed him high on the transfer list and considered him one of their most saleable assets.

Despite the departure of Messi, Barcelona still need a 25% reduction in the wage bill to register their new signings. With Braithwaite now convinced to fight for his spot and declining to leave, the Board are under immense pressure to find new solutions.

Meanwhile, Braithwaite does indeed have a golden chance to prove his worth in the coming weeks, as Sergio Aguero will miss the opening 3-4 weeks of action through a recent injury.

With Ansu Fati not ready to start yet, Koeman could be forced to play the Danish man upfront. However, it will still remain an operation for the club to try to make his departure possible.

Player valuation in title obtained from transfermarkt.com on date of publication.