Flick explores flexible attacking options as Barcelona plan for striker uncertainty

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick is searching for alternatives at centre-forward after the departure of Robert Lewandowski and the uncertainty surrounding Ferran Torres’ future, with the German beginning that work from the first day of pre-season.

The club are pushing to sign Atletico de Madrid striker Julian Alvarez, but the Madrid-based side remain determined to keep the Argentina international and have so far refused to consider selling him to Barcelona.

With Alvarez’s arrival far from guaranteed, Flick is preparing for a range of possible scenarios and considering several players who could operate as a false nine, according to Mundo Deportivo.

One of the options is Dani Olmo, who began his career as a conventional striker in Barcelona’s youth academy before developing into an attacking midfielder or winger. The role would therefore be familiar to him, while his eye for goal remains one of his strengths.

Flick has used Olmo in the position on several occasions. His ability to contribute in front of goal, combined with his experience in different attacking roles, makes him a natural candidate should Barcelona decide to use a more fluid forward line.

Fermin Lopez is another possibility. A classic midfielder who also came through Barcelona’s academy, he has qualities that could suit the role despite not having been tested there by Flick so far.

Lopez is a direct player who likes to shoot, makes aggressive forward runs and possesses a strong scoring instinct. Those characteristics make him a serious contender to play centrally, particularly if Barcelona want their false nine to attack the penalty area rather than simply link play.

Raphinha is also viewed by the coaching staff as a clear candidate to move inside. His movement could allow him to operate between the opposition defence and midfield, while also creating opportunities for Barcelona’s wide players to rotate positions.

Lamine Yamal has already played as a false nine twice, giving Flick another option. The teenager’s technical ability and capacity to find space mean he can influence the game centrally, even though he is more commonly used from the right.

The club’s recruitment planning has also taken the role into account. When sporting director Deco looked for players who could help compensate for Lewandowski’s departure and the possibility of Ferran leaving, he focused on wingers who could also play as a central striker.

That thinking led Barcelona to sign Anthony Gordon, who has played as a conventional striker for Newcastle United, while Karim Adeyemi is also capable of operating in the position.

Ferran himself is not a traditional centre-forward. Flick is seeking many of the same qualities from his false nine that he sees in the former Valencia player: not only goals, but also pressure on opponents, movement without the ball and the ability to exploit open spaces.

During pre-season, Flick has also tested youngsters Ibrahima Tonkara and Toni Fernandez in the role. Their involvement underlines Barcelona’s willingness to consider internal solutions while the club assesses whether it can complete a deal for Alvarez and determines Ferran’s next step.

The search for a replacement for Lewandowski could therefore lead to a collective solution rather than a direct substitute, with Flick assessing a group of players whose positions and responsibilities can change according to the demands of each match.