Barcelona man speaks out on his future amid reported Everton interest

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A player reportedly on the radar of Everton head coach Carlo Ancelotti has made a clear statement on his future, in conversation with ESPN.

The Toffees have been linked with Barcelona striker Martin Braithwaite along with Premier League rivals West Ham United, according to Spanish outlet Sport, who reported a £15.5million price tag.

Braithwaite made a controversial switch to the Camp Nou in February, the Catalan side taking advantage of a rule in Spain which allows clubs to sign a player outside of the transfer window.

The Denmark international moved from La Liga relegation battlers Leganes – who in turn were not allowed to bring in a replacement – for £15million, his release clause, in wake of injuries to Ousmane Dembele and Luis Suarez.

Despite the very recent move on a four-and-a-half-year contract, it has been speculated that Braithwaite is little more than a stop-gap and as such could be moved on in the summer, hence the links with the likes of Everton and West Ham.

Braithwaite, however, has dismissed exit talks, telling ESPN: “I am sure I am going to stay even more than four-and-a-half years that’s how I see it in my head.

“Right now, I just want to go and play and enjoy and win titles with this team because that’s what I am here to do.”

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Everton haven’t exactly struggled in front of goal – their 37 in the Premier League is higher than two teams in the top 10 – there is still much scope for reinforcements if they are to mount a tilt for the European places.

Braithwaite’s prior experience in English football was largely fruitless – in 2017, he joined Championship side Middlesbrough for a reported £9million, scored just nine goals in 40 appearances and asked to leave twice before eventually joining Leganes in January 2019 (BBC Sport).

Surely there are better players for Everton to target, and while he remains eager to prove himself at Barcelona, it remains to be seen how much game time he’s in line for once Suarez and Dembele return to fitness.