Barcelona sign 'emergency' striker Braithwaite from Leganes
(dpa)
Barcelona (dpa) - Barcelona signed striker Martin Braithwaite from Leganes on Thursday by paying his 18-million-euro (19.4-million-dollar) buyout clause.
The Spanish champions were able to sign a player outside of the transfer window on an emergency basis because winger Ousmane Dembele was ruled out for six months with a hamstring injury.
Barcelona's move for the Danish international has caused controversy in Spain because relegation-battling Leganes will not be able to sign a replacement.
"The player will join the club for the rest of the season and four more, until June 30, 2024, with a release clause of 300 million euros," said Barcelona in a statement.
Braithwaite, who joined Leganes from Middlesbrough in January 2019, had 10 goals in 38 games for the Madrid side.
The forward will only be eligible to play for Barcelona in La Liga and not in the Champions League. He joins Lionel Messi, Antoine Griezmann and Ansu Fati in attack, with Luis Suarez also on the sidelines alongside Dembele.
Barcelona's move for the Danish international has caused controversy in Spain because relegation-battling Leganes will not be able to sign a replacement.
"The player will join the club for the rest of the season and four more, until June 30, 2024, with a release clause of 300 million euros," said Barcelona in a statement.
Braithwaite, who joined Leganes from Middlesbrough in January 2019, had 10 goals in 38 games for the Madrid side.
The forward will only be eligible to play for Barcelona in La Liga and not in the Champions League. He joins Lionel Messi, Antoine Griezmann and Ansu Fati in attack, with Luis Suarez also on the sidelines alongside Dembele.