BARCELONA are being held to “ransom” by Martin Braithwaite who is refusing to rip up his contract, according to reports.
The out-of-favour striker has two years left on his deal but faces little chance of regular football at the Catalan club this season.
Barcelona are keen to get him and other back-up players off the wage book to make space for their summer of luxury signings.
But it appears Braithwaite and Barca are now at a stand-off over his contract situation.
Sport report that with no buyers for the 31-year-old, the club’s hierarchy were hoping to rip up his contract.
This would allow him to leave on a free contract and Barcelona were hoping to reach a compromise on the salary he would be due after rescinding his deal.
READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
But Braithwaite is reportedly insisting he be paid the full amount, with Praiz Sport labelling the situation a “ransom”.
He is reportedly paid £98,000-a-week.
Reports say it is more beneficial for Barcelona to thrash out an agreement as otherwise his “salary will still count towards the LaLiga limits both this season and next”.
Former Middlesbrough striker Braithwaite was a surprise purchase in 2020.
Most read in Football
FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
He has scored five goals in 44 appearances since arriving at the Nou Camp.
The situation presents a tricky issue for a club looking to clear out deadwood before the window closes.
Manager Xavi reportedly wants to get rid of seven players before the window closes.
The LaLiga giants have already seen Philippe Coutinho join Aston Villa on a permanent deal, while also allowing defender Clement Lenglet to move on loan to Tottenham.
Dani Alves also left on a free but was damning in his view of the club as he left.
Along with Braithwaite, the club are also believed to want to get rid of Neto, Samuel Umtiti and the academy pair of Oscar Mingueza and Riqui Puig.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
