With Robert Lewandowski having left Barcelona at the end of last season, it was clear the club’s summer was always going to be dominated by a search for a new central striker.
There has not been significant movement in that quest, with the club clinging on to the belief that they can sign Julian Alvarez, whom Atletico Madrid are guarding more jealously than a dragon does its gold.
This week Hansi Flick broke his silence on the situation. While he did not say much, in keeping with the requirements of the job at this level, the Barcelona manager did admit the club must strengthen in attack.
He also said the club’s transfer plans are tied to Ferran Torres’ contract situation. The Spain forward is entering the final year of his deal and the club have not made it clear whether they want to extend his contract or sell him, perhaps the latter and they simply have not seen buyers.
Staying on and then leaving on a free transfer next year is also possible, if Barcelona continue their vacillation.
“We have to wait,” Flick said when asked about the club’s pursuit of a new No 9. “I have total confidence with [sporting director] Deco and we know that we have to do something.
“It depends also about Ferran and then we will see what happens.”
Ferran Torres is the MVP of the World Cup Final ⭐️
📸 @FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/ASTzwFHuI9
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) July 19, 2026
President Joan Laporta confirmed last month that Barcelona’s €100m offer for Alvarez is still on the table. But there have been no discussions because Atletico are unwilling to have that.
Indeed, they have filed a report against Barcelona to the Spanish football federation (RFEF) for what they consider to be improper moves towards Alvarez by the Catalan club.
Torres is currently Barcelona’s only No 9. He scored Spain’s winning goal in the World Cup final, which increased his reputation in his country, but it cannot cover the weaknesses in his game.
He is not sure whether or not he will remain at Barcelona for next season.
“I currently have a contract with Barca, but in football you never know,” Torres said. “I’m just waiting to make the right decision. I don’t know yet.”
If Barcelona are unable to recruit another striker before the transfer window closes, there are possible ways of adjusting the squad, but that might not be the ideal scenario for the Catalans.
Flick said: “Lamine has played in one or two matches with us [in a central position] and I think he’s a fantastic player, a world class player, so he also can adapt to this.
“But at the end of the day, the focus [with Lamine] is more as a No 7, but we will see what happens.
“I think Gordon and also Adeyemi they can play on both sides. They can play also as a No 9. So we have a lot of options actually. We will see.”
Full speed. Karim Adeyemi.🏃♂️💨 pic.twitter.com/WIq6KVhm5L
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) August 4, 2026
Do Barcelona need to bring in a player to fill the centre-forward role?
In the absence of a striker, could Flick make do with the options currently available?
The club feel this summer’s recruitment has already improved Flick’s attacking options even without a specialist No 9 arriving. Karim Adeyemi and Anthony Gordon have added pace and flexibility across the front line, with both capable of operating in more than one attacking role.
Alongside them, Flick can also call on Lamine Yamal, Raphinha and Ferran Torres if the Spain forward remains at the club.
