Barcelona prioritise forward as Flick outlines squad plans for new season

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick says the club are working seriously to sign an out-and-out striker this summer, with the final decision also dependent on Ferran Torres’ future.

The German confirmed the club’s sporting department, led by Deco, is exploring attacking options before the transfer window closes. However, he said Barcelona have several alternatives available if they do not complete a deal for a new centre-forward.

Flick was speaking at England’s St George’s Park after what he described as “a great experience” and “one of the best training camps” he had ever overseen. The camp concluded with a friendly match between Barcelona players, as preparations continued for the new campaign.

Asked about the club’s main transfer objective, Flick said: “We know that we have to do something. We have to wait, I have complete confidence in Deco, and we know that we have to do something.”

He added: “It also depends on Ferran. We will see what happens.”

Flick’s comments indicate that Barcelona must first resolve Torres’ situation before making a final decision on whether to bring in another striker. The club do not want to miss the opportunity to strengthen in attack, but the Spain international’s position remains an important factor in their planning.

Barcelona have attacking alternatives

Flick was also asked whether Barcelona could use a false nine if they fail to sign a traditional striker.

“That will depend on the squad available,” he said. “Lamine Yamal has played in this position for one or two matches with us, and I think he is a great player, a world-class player, so he can adapt to this situation as well.”

He added: “Gordon and Adeyemi can play on the wings and also as a centre-forward. So, in reality, we have many options.”

The remarks suggest Barcelona believe they can find an internal solution, even if the club do not add another forward before the transfer window shuts.

Flick was less convinced that midfield reinforcements are required following Frenkie de Jong’s injury.

“We are always thinking about improving our team, about what is best for them,” he said. “But at the moment, I think we have enough midfielders. That is the situation, and we will see what happens in the coming weeks.”

Those comments could represent a setback for Moroccan midfielder Ezzedine Ounahi, who has been linked with a move to Barcelona in several reports in recent weeks. Flick’s assessment appears to suggest that the club are not currently planning to recruit another midfielder.

Praise for new signing and La Masia prospects

On Barcelona’s latest summer signing, Biesio, Flick said the player had trained with the group only briefly and had “just arrived”. However, he added that it was already possible to see that he was “a talented and quick player”, with the plan for him to train fully with the squad in the coming days.

Flick also singled out several young players during pre-season, including Ibrahima Tounkara, Xavi Espart and Oriol Jorin.

“When I compare this with the first year, when I arrived here in 2024, I think we have more quality this season,” said Flick. “More quality in the players, more quality in the young players and in the La Masia players.”

He described Ibrahima as “a great talent” and praised Oriol as well. Flick said Xavi Espart had performed “very well” at right-back and had produced “a great game” against Birmingham, while also showing a high level during training.

Regarding Hector Fort, Flick said: “Hector is also a talented player. He is very quick, and his technical ability is also high. I think last season with Elche was very useful for him. He also understands completely what it means to play for Barcelona.”

Questions over Hamza Abdelkarim

Flick did not mention Egyptian youngster Hamza Abdelkarim during the news conference and did not clarify whether the player would remain with the first team or return to the reserve side next season.

Abdelkarim was also left out of the friendly match between Barcelona players and was not given any playing time. The decision has raised questions about his position in the squad and whether he features prominently in Flick’s plans for the new campaign.

Alejandro Balde, who was unable to take part in Monday’s training match, was reported to be recovering well.

“He is fine and improving well,” said Flick, who expects Balde to feature in the forthcoming Triangular Tournament in Udine.

Flick also dismissed concerns that Barcelona’s Spain internationals could lose focus after winning the 2026 World Cup.

“I think champions never stop,” he said. “They know how to win titles. This title should give them more confidence. That is also what we want to achieve this season.”