Martin Braithwaite, one of the richest footballers in the world, eyeing stunning career move by BUYING former club weeks after leaving them

The former Barcelona and Middlesbrough striker joined Espanyol in the summer of 2022 following the expiry of his contract with the Blaugrana side. The Danish forward helped Los Periquitos gain promotion to La Liga with 22 goals in 33 league appearances. However, the 33-year-old left the Barcelona-based club and is now planning to buy out the club due to his unhappiness with his treatment over the last two years.

While Braithwaite was never one of the best footballers in the world, he has been featured by Forbes regularly as one of the richest footballers in the world as he owns a real estate business, a restaurant and a clothing line. The £617,000 that Braithwaite and his brother Philip Michael put in NYCE Companies in the US is now reportedly valued at an astounding £180 million and his next goal, according to Spanish publication Marca, is to become Espanyol's largest shareholder.

Following Espanyol's promotion to La Liga in May, Braithwaite was very openly critical of the board and their handling of his contract situation in the summer of 2023. He said: "Now we have to enjoy it and see what happens in the future.

"I don't know anything, I'll talk about it in the next few days. A year ago the club offered me a renewal, but it was disrespectful. Let's see if they want me to stay here because the offer I received a year ago shows that they don't trust me."

The Danish striker has now joined Brazilian Serie A side Gremio and will look to buy the majority shares in Espanyol as a sort of payback for his ill-treatment. Braithwaite is yet to make his debut for Gremio as he enjoys his vacation having followed the European calendar the season prior. However, he will likely soon join the Brazilian side or training before making his debut.