A former FC Barcelona star is reportedly seriously interested in acquiring one of his former club's La Liga rivals.
Several high-profile players have gone the route of club ownership in recent seasons.
In October 2023, Senegalese superstar Sadio Mane purchased a majority stake in the French fourth-tier club Bourges Foot 18, according to L'Equipe.
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This was similarly the case for Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe, after he completed an 80% acquisition of French second-tier side SM Caen earlier this year.
The trend could now continue, as former Barca striker Martin Braithwaite has reportedly set his sights on a Spanish top-flight team.
According to Cope Barcelona, the Danish star wants to buy Catalan outfit Espanyol less than six months after he was released by the club in July.
The 33-year-old is said to have quietly expressed his intention of buying the club weeks after his release, and he has now taken the next steps to see the potential deal through.
The report claims that Braithwaite met with potential investors in Boston in the United States last week to discuss plans for a bid.
The player, who now plays for Gremio in Brazil, is reportedly valued at $300 million (R5.4 billion) through his various investments and companies, but it is noted that he would not be the sole investor if the takeover is successfully completed.
Moreover, it is indicated that Braithwaite is willing to lead a consortium with the funds to buy out Espanyol's current Chinese owners and bankroll the team's immediate future.
The forward made 58 appearances for Barca, while he was more prominent for their city rivals Espanyol, whom he represented on 78 occasions.
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By Lukhanyo Mtuta
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