The former Middlesbrough striker has arrived at Camp Nou to pay the Catalans’ injury-hit strikeforce – leaving his former side exposed in turn.
Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu has defended the club’s decision to sign Martin Braithwaite but admits Leganes have every right to feel aggrieved by the move.
The La Liga champions confirmed on Thursday they had signed the striker after tripping an $18million (#15m/$19m) release clause in his contract.
Barca were allowed special dispensation to signal Braithwaite out of the transfer window after losing Luis Suarez and Ousmane Dembele to long-term harms.
Liga strugglers Leganes have been blocked from earning a replacement ahead, however, much to the frustration of the club’s general manager Martin Ortega.
Ortega accused the league and the Royal Spanish Football Federation of inducing Leganes”irreparable harm” and has asked for the rule to be amended.
Talking at Braithwaite’s introductory news conference on Thursday, Bartomeu agreed the loophole has to be looked at.
“We’ve paid the clause after the regulations, although we think that it needs to be revised because it’s not fair that Leganes cannot now sign anybody,” he told reporters.
Barcelona’s choice to sign Braithwaite has raised eyebrows, but Bartomeu considers the former Middlesbrough forward can be a significant asset for the club this year and beyond.
“After analysing different players, we picked Martin. We think it will help us win both remaining games,” he added.
“I am quite excited about the arrival of a new player and we hope he will help us in a league which we would like to win which is extremely open. He’ll give us strength.
“We had a long-term injured player like Dembele, along with Luis Suarez. The team has analyzed players and we expect Braithwaite can introduction quickly.
“He’s signed for another four and a half years and has come to help today and for the future.”
Braithwaite could make his debut when Eibar visit Camp Nou on Saturday, and Barca manager Eric Abidal is pleased with the new arrival.
“Martin is a Denmark global, with expertise distinct from those players we’ve got,” said Abidal, who dodged questions regarding his latest row with Lionel Messi.
“He’s personality, strength, speed and great potential. I have had the chance to talk with coaches he’s had. He’ll contribute a great deal and be critical.
“Hopefully we can compete at the maximum level.”
