Transfer Centre

Martin Braithwaite rules out Barcelona exit

By Ben Knapton, Senior Reporter | 11 January 2021

Barcelona forward Martin Braithwaite announces his desire to remain at Barcelona beyond the end of the season despite their reported interest in Memphis Depay.

Barcelona striker Martin Braithwaite has insisted that he does not intend to leave the club in the summer transfer window.

The former Middlesbrough man arrived in Catalonia last year as an emergency signing following long-term injuries to Ousmane Dembele and Luis Suarez, the latter of whom has since joined Atletico Madrid.

Braithwaite has failed to hit the same prolific heights as some of Barcelona's famed number nines down the years, and the Blaugrana continue to be linked with a move for Lyon forward Memphis Depay.

However, Braithwaite has affirmed that he will keep fighting to achieve success at Barcelona next season, telling TV3: "There is no way that I will leave in the winter transfer market or even at the end of the season. Next season, I will keep on fighting for my goals.

"I like that the club is looking for other players in the market. It is meant to be like that in a team like Barcelona, which aims to have the best players in the world.

"You need to have internal competition. It does not frighten me, it motivates me. You need the best players in order to motivate everyone.

"This season, we have the possibility to win many titles. This is my aim and I'm not thinking about anything else. This is the reason why I wake up every day and work so hard."

Braithwaite has scored five goals and set up two more in all competitions for Ronald Koeman's side this term, but he has started just eight of their 18 La Liga matches.