Everton have been presented with an opportunity to acquire Martin Braithwaite for free this summer, as reports indicate the Espanyol striker has been offered to them. The 33-year-old, who has previously played for Barcelona and Middlesbrough, is eager to make a move to the Premier League for one last stint in top-level football.
Braithwaite joined Espanyol from Barcelona for a nominal fee in 2022 and made an impact by scoring 10 goals in 31 LaLiga appearances during his debut season. Despite his efforts, Espanyol was relegated in 2022/23. However, Braithwaite played a pivotal role in their return to the top flight last season, scoring 22 goals in 39 appearances in the second tier.
Although he still has a year left on his contract, Tipsbladet reports that Braithwaite has activated a clause allowing him to leave on a free transfer this summer. Both Everton and other clubs are considering bolstering their attacking options, but it remains uncertain whether they will take a chance on the experienced forward.
Braithwaite has primarily excelled at Espanyol and struggled during his time at Middlesbrough in the Championship, scoring only 10 goals in 58 games.
Reports linking Braithwaite with Everton come amidst uncertainty surrounding Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s future. The England international, a key figure for Everton, has just one year remaining on his contract and has not yet agreed to an extension. Everton continues to negotiate with Calvert-Lewin, who has joined the squad for their pre-season trip to Ireland alongside out-of-contract midfielder Dele Alli.
Manchester United is monitoring Calvert-Lewin’s situation closely, and if he does not extend his contract soon, Everton may need to sell him this summer. If Calvert-Lewin departs, signing Braithwaite on a free transfer could represent a sensible, low-risk move for Everton.
According to sources from TEAMtalk, Everton has identified other striker targets as well. Chelsea’s Armando Broja has been a long-term target, while Luton Town’s Elijah Adebayo, who impressed with 10 goals in 27 Premier League appearances last season, is also on Everton’s radar.
Everton’s pursuit of a new striker is expected to intensify once Calvert-Lewin makes a definitive decision about his future with the club.
