Barcelona misfit on Real Sociedad radar as Raul de Tomas alternative

Having gotten rid of almost all the unwanted players from their roster, Barcelona are trying to find a way to offload out-of-favour striker Martin Braithwaite before the transfer window closes next week.

The 31-year-old has not been a part of manager Xavi Hernandez’s plans since January and has been told to leave the club. But, he continues to be reluctant to consider an exit given that he is on a lucrative contract at Camp Nou and does not wish to give up the privileges.

However, recent reports suggest that Braithwaite could be open to leaving the club as long as he is paid €5 million in compensation to terminate his contract.

A move to RCD Mallorca had been talked about, but now a fresh suitor has emerged in pursuit of Braithwaite in the form of Real Sociedad.

Indeed, per Manu Sainz of Diario AS, Real Sociedad are looking at Braithwaite as a potential alternative for one of their primary transfer targets in Raul de Tomas of RCD Espanyol.

La Real lost star striker Alexander Isak to Newcastle United, with the Swede set to complete a €70 million move to the Premier League. They have identified De Tomas as the replacement but the ex-Real Madrid striker could be out of their reach financially.

Hence, the Basque Country outfit are keeping tabs on Braithwaite as a possible alternative if they miss out on signing De Tomas from Espanyol.

The 31-year-old is a player with plenty of experience in La Liga and had performed fairly well at Leganes previously, while his displays for Barça were not too bad when he was playing. So, a move to Real Sociedad might prove to be a win-win scenario for all parties involved.