In the emergency deal to land Martin Braithwaite, Barcelona bought the Leganes striker outside of the winter window following concurrent injuries to Luis Suarez and Ousmane Dembele. The move, which was very controversial across the Spanish topflight, was completed in late February for 18 million euros.
La Liga gave Barca permission to add another striker after the window had closed following the club’s application when Dembele’s six-month injury was confirmed. The rules had been updated to allow clubs get extra-ordinary permission to sign a replacement if a player is ruled out for more than five months.
The Blaugrana signed the 28-year old because he was a perfect fit considering the rules guiding such transfers meant the player would not be able to play in Europe and must be playing in Spain already or a free agent.
Leganes fans complained as they were battling relegation threats and needed Braithwaite to stand any chance. The player had agreed to a four-year extension in July 2019 after a loan spell at Middlesbrough. The pleas fell on deaf ears as the Catalan side completed the deal, with a buyout clause of 300 million euros.
Braithwaite had scored eight goals in 27 games prior to the move. Barcelona needed an alternative as they were competing in several competitions. In hindsight, he was only able to score one goal in the league. After the break, Real Madrid stepped up their quality, delivering a perfect run to knock off Barca as La Liga champs. Leganes were not able to reinforce and fight off the impending relegation.
With Barcelona looking for forwards in the summer market, it is obvious all parties in the deal lost. Braithwaite has gone from a starter to support staff. He might get traded in if the condition requires it.
No winner. Barcelona. Leganes. Braithwaite.