Martin Braithwaite joins Bordeaux

The Girondins de Bordeaux have reached an agreement with Middlesbrough FC for the transfer of Martin Braithwaite. The Danish striker joins us on loan with an option to buy. Born on 5th June 1991 in Esbjerg (Denmark), Martin turned pro with Esbjerg fB. He made his Superligaen debut in 2009-2010, and the next few years with his boyhood club proved to be a real rollercoaster ride: life in the top flight, relegation, immediate promotion and triumph in the Danish Cup in 2013. With 19 goals and 10 assists in 97 matches, clubs from other leagues soon came knocking. Toulouse FC won the race to sign Martin, and he joined our southern rivals on a four-year contract. Despite some mixed results for TFC, Martin gradually made a name for himself in Toulouse. He averaged 30 matches per season in his four years in Ligue 1, and even captained the Violets in his final season. He scored 40 goals in 149 appeareances in all competitions, while also notching up 15 assists. Some of those goals came at decisive moments for the club, including the goal which kept Toulouse in the top flight on the final day of the 2015-2016 season. He also proved to be a thorn in Bordeaux's side in recent Garonne derbies, scoring four goals and creating one in his 9 appearances against the Girondins. Martin joined Championship side Middlesbrough last summer, but an injury meant that his season got off to a slow start. The Dane still managed to score 6 goals and set up 2 in 21 appearances. In the meantime Martin worked his way up through the youth ranks for his national side, and has earned 17 full caps (1 goal) with Denmark. Although still young (26), Martin Braithwaite is an experienced player. He is also highly flexible, comfortable on the wing and up front and blessed with pace, power and a clinical finishing touch. Known for his unflinching commitment and team spirit, Martin is a hard-working attacking player who looks set to be a valuable addition to Gus Poyet's Bordeaux squad. The Girondins de Bordeaux are delighted to welcome Martin to the club. We wish him all the best in blue and white!