Very active in this summer transfer window with the arrivals of Jules Koundé, Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski, for a total of more than 158 million euros, Barça is obliged to reduce its workforce in order to be able to register its new toys for the coming season. With this in mind, the club have already targeted the undesirables, 2018 world champion Samuel Umtiti and Dane Martin Braithwaite. Unfortunately for the Blaugranas, the big cleaning is taking longer than expected.
Under contract until 2024, Martin Braithwaite is adamant he wants his contract terminated and will only leave if he receives his full two years of remaining contract. The player and his entourage thus refuse any discussion with any club until Barça has granted their request. The situation is less complicated for Samuel Umtiti, who has not been reluctant to leave but is still waiting to find the most attractive project.
Short of a solution, Barça raises its tone
Faced with these procrastination, Barça decided to use great means to put pressure on its two undesirables. Even if it means playing it a little (a lot) pervert. Indeed, according to Sport, both players have been told that they simply won’t have shirt numbers this season. Class… And for that matter, the Blaugranas explained to the two men that their contract will be terminated if they have not found a club by the end of the transfer window. It remains to be seen who will crack first in this standoff that could last the whole month of August…