Flick: Barcelona must act on forward signings, priority target clear
Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick has made it clear that the club must "take action" in the transfer market to find a successor for Robert Lewandowski. Lewandowski joined Chicago Fire at the start of the season, bringing his four-year spell at Barcelona to an end.
Ferran Torres' future is equally uncertain. The attacker, who scored the winning goal for Spain in the World Cup final, is currently on holiday and planning his next steps, with only one year remaining on his Barcelona contract. Paris Saint-Germain and several English clubs are interested, but Barcelona remain open to extending his deal. Sources indicate that all options are being considered — a summer transfer, leaving on a free next year, or signing a new contract.
In terms of forward reinforcements, Atlético Madrid striker Julián Álvarez remains Barcelona's primary target. Club president Joan Laporta has confirmed that the club has submitted an offer of around €100 million for the Argentina international, but negotiations are currently at a standstill. Flick said: "We need to be patient. I have great trust in Deco, and everyone knows we have to make moves. We also need to see what happens with Ferran, then make a decision." In Flick's view, the priority remains signing an out-and-out No. 9.
If Torres leaves and Barcelona fail to bring in a new striker, Flick may have to turn to internal options for the central role. He mentioned that summer signings Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi can both play through the middle, as can Lamine Yamal. "Yamal has played through the middle with us once or twice. I think he is a world-class player and fully capable of adapting to that position," Flick added. "But ultimately, he is better suited to the No. 7 role. Gordon and Adeyemi can play both out wide and as a No. 9, so we actually have many options. Let's see how things develop."
Although Álvarez remains the top choice, the La Liga champions are still evaluating other options to strengthen their attacking line before the new season begins. According to authoritative media reports, Barcelona have enquired about the availability of Eli Junior Kroupi, but the young French forward recently suffered a foot injury and is expected to remain at Bournemouth in the short term. The new La Liga season kicks off on August 23 local time, with Barcelona opening their campaign away to Elche.