The short version
- Barcelona enter the new season without an established number nine after losing Lewandowski and Torres.
- Manager Hansi Flick plans to utilize Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, or a fluid attacking system as alternatives.
- The club is pursuing Julian Alvarez but faces stiff resistance from Atletico Madrid regarding his sale.
Barcelona are approaching the start of their La Liga campaign with a significant structural gap in their attack. The Spanish champions have spent the summer reinforcing other areas of the squad, most notably securing the services of Rodri from Manchester City. This acquisition brings a Ballon d'Or winner and World Cup-winning captain to a midfield that already boasts considerable depth. However, the departure of Robert Lewandowski to Major League Soccer and Ferran Torres to Paris Saint-Germain has left the club without an established senior striker for their upcoming fixtures.
The absence of a dedicated center forward presents a tactical challenge for manager Hansi Flick ahead of their opening match against Elche on August 23. The transfer window remains open until September 1, providing a narrow window for the club to address this deficiency. While the management has indicated a strong preference for signing a specialized striker, they have also acknowledged that they must be prepared to proceed with their current roster if no suitable candidate is secured before the deadline.
Flick has identified several internal solutions to mitigate the lack of a traditional number nine. One option involves deploying teenager Lamine Yamal as a false nine. Yamal emerged as a key attacking focal point last season, scoring 24 goals and helping Spain win the World Cup. Despite his versatility, Flick has expressed a preference for keeping Yamal on the right wing, where he excels at isolating full-backs and creating chances from wide positions. Utilizing him centrally would represent a shift in tactical philosophy that may not maximize his specific strengths.
Other players within the squad offer flexibility in advanced roles. Dani Olmo has experience operating as a false nine, and Raphinha has also been utilized centrally under Flick’s guidance. Fermin Lopez has indicated comfort in playing in these advanced areas, providing another potential option for a fluid attacking setup. Additionally, new signings Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi bring pace and direct running to the attack. While neither is a conventional striker, their ability to stretch defenses could create space for other attackers to exploit.
The club’s primary target remains Julian Alvarez of Atletico Madrid. The 26-year-old Argentina international has signaled interest in a move away from the Spanish capital. However, Atletico Madrid has firmly resisted attempts to sell him, with chief executive Miguel Angel Gil Marin stating that the club would not part with Alvarez even for a fee of 200 million euros. This stance significantly complicates Barcelona’s efforts to secure their preferred solution before the window closes.
With Alvarez appearing unlikely to leave Atletico Madrid, Barcelona have explored alternative targets. Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres has been linked with a move to Catalonia. The Swedish international joined Arsenal last summer for up to 73 million euros and scored 21 goals in his debut season as the Gunners won the Premier League title. Persuading Arsenal to sell Gyokeres after just one year would require a substantial financial commitment, making this option challenging despite his proven goal-scoring record.
Other names have surfaced in connection with Barcelona’s search for a striker. Inter Milan’s Lautaro Martinez and Sporting’s Luis Suarez have both been mentioned as potential candidates. Club sources indicate that the management team is working diligently to finalize a deal before the transfer deadline. The urgency is heightened by the need to ensure the squad is balanced for the demands of a long season, particularly given the high expectations following their recent successes.
The decision to proceed without a traditional striker could define Barcelona’s tactical identity this season. Playing with a fluid forward line, where players rotate positions rather than having one fixed center forward, could make them difficult to defend against. This approach relies on the technical quality and movement of players like Olmo, Lopez, and Yamal. However, it also carries risks, particularly against teams that sit deep and defend compactly. The success of this strategy will depend on how quickly the new signings integrate and how effectively Flick can adapt his system to maximize the strengths of his available personnel.
As the deadline approaches, the pressure is on Barcelona’s sporting directors to either secure a high-profile striker or confidently commit to their current tactical setup. The arrival of Rodri has strengthened the midfield considerably, but the attack remains a question mark. Whether through a late signing or tactical innovation, Flick must provide a clear answer to how his team will score goals without a dedicated number nine. The coming weeks will reveal whether Barcelona view this gap as a critical weakness or an opportunity for tactical evolution.
Sources behind this briefing
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