Ex-Barcelona star wants to buy

Former Barcelona forward Martin Braithwaite is reportedly planning to purchase a controlling stake in Espanyol, the club he left just weeks ago due to what he described as 'disrespectful' treatment by the management. After helping Espanyol secure promotion back to LaLiga, Braithwaite executed a release clause to leave and subsequently joined Brazilian side Gremio. He is frustrated with the club for denying his transfer request to play in the top division, which he believes impacted his selection for Denmark's Euro 2024 squad. With a net worth estimated around £250 million, largely from his successful investments in real estate, Braithwaite has the financial capacity to pursue this takeover. His relationship with Espanyol's ownership has soured, particularly with chairman Chen Yansheng, whom he may seek to remove through this acquisition. Braithwaite's ambition to buy the club may stem from both personal grievances and a desire to influence its future direction.