Barcelona told to stop ‘bullying’ Martin Braithwaite

The Denmark international is reportedly not keen to leave despite the club’s attempts to convince him otherwise.

Barcelona need to stop ‘bullying’ Martin Braithwaite and respect the striker’s contract, according to the director of the Danish Players Association, Michael Sahl Hansen.

The 31-year-old signed a contract with Barca until June 2024 upon joining the LaLiga club on an emergency transfer from Leganes for €18 million in February 2020.

Braithwaite has since made 59 appearances for Barcelona, but he is out of manager Xavi Hernandez’s plans. The Blaugrana, therefore, have attempted to release him from his contract to reduce their wage bill – much to Hansen’s annoyance.

“The treatment that Martin is experiencing is completely unreasonable,” he said.

“Something that probably falls somewhere between bullying and harassment. It’s shameful how FC Barcelona is trying to get him out of his contract, out of his job.

“A player who came to his rescue when they were pressured is now in disgrace. Where is the decency?”

According to reports in Spain, Braithwaite has refused to have his contract annulled. Barcelona have had options to sell or loan him out this summer, but he has declined them all.

Hansen added: “A contract is a contract and FC Barcelona and Martin committed themselves for two more years. Martin must continue to fulfill his part of the agreement. And so must FC Barcelona.

“And besides, it would correspond to one of the biggest clubs in the world treating their players with greater respect.”