He doesn't care: Striker who shone in Messi absence wants more money or he will leave

FC Barcelona striker, Martin Braithwaite is reportedly asking for an improved contract to stay at the club. The 30-year-old is rumoured to have given the Camp Nou management a warning that he would leave if he doesn't get fresh terms this summer. Braithwaite signed for Barcelona in 2020 and he is on an £85m per week contract.

The Danish striker believes that with the exit of Lionel Messi, he has become the focal point of Barcelona's attack and as such his wages should reflect his new status. The former Middlesbrough and Leganes forward was influential in Barcelona's first competitive match without Messi, scoring 2 goals and creating 1 assist in Sunday's La Liga win over Real Sociedad. Braithwaite is the only senior experienced striker available to Ronald Koeman with Sergio Aguero injured and Rey Manaj untested in the La Liga. 

Despite the Barcelona board trying to cut down on wages, the 30-year-old is pushing to increased earnings at the Camp Nou. Braithwaite is the 14th highest-earner at Barcelona, on the same wages as young midfielder, Carles Alena. Thus, the Danish international has suggested that if he isn't offered fresh terms this summer, he would seek to leave the club. 

In related developments, Gerard Pique took a significant pay cut, which allowed the Blaugrana to register new signings Memphis Depay and Eric Garcia. Barcelona President, Juan Laporta hopes that Pique's gesture would have a knock-on effect on other players to encourage them to take pay cuts. Other members of the captain roster, Sergio Busquets, Sergi Roberto and Jordi Alba are also expected to announce a reduction in their salaries soon. Barcelona is in debt of over €1.3bn and is looking to reduce their wage bill and sell players who are on huge salaries.