How Hansi Flick rebuilt Barcelona’s attack after losing Lewandowski and Torres

Barcelona began the summer transfer window with a major tactical problem in attack but ended it without signing a direct replacement for Robert Lewandowski or Ferran Torres.

Last season, Hansi Flick relied heavily on the experienced Lewandowski and Spain international Torres as his main centre-forwards. Their departures left Barcelona with a significant gap before the new campaign, prompting the club to search urgently for a high-level striker.

The club’s first target was Argentina forward Julian Alvarez. Barcelona held extensive discussions with Atletico Madrid, but the Spanish club refused to consider the offers and remained firmly committed to keeping the player.

After that move failed, Barcelona turned to Italy in an attempt to sign Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez. However, that deal also proved impossible to complete.

With the major targets unavailable, Flick proposed a different solution: Borussia Dortmund’s German forward Karim Adeyemi. Although Adeyemi had not enjoyed an outstanding previous season, Flick viewed him as an ideal addition because of his exceptional pace, ability to change direction quickly and tactical flexibility across the forward line.

The transfer cost approximately 30m euros, a relatively suitable fee for Barcelona given the club’s difficult financial circumstances and the inflated prices being demanded for forwards across the European market.

Despite signing Adeyemi, Barcelona entered the new season without a recognised striker expected to replace or surpass Lewandowski and Torres. The club also brought in Brazil forward Gabriel Jesus from Arsenal, although there were concerns about the effect of the numerous injuries he had suffered in recent seasons.

Egyptian forward Hamza Abdelkarim was also promoted to the first team. He impressed during pre-season, but Flick has not yet made him a regular starter in competitive matches because of his age and limited experience. Instead, the manager is preparing Abdelkarim to become Barcelona’s main centre-forward in the future.

The arrivals of Jesus and Abdelkarim provided only a temporary answer to an issue that had caused considerable concern at the club. Flick’s most effective response came through a tactical reshaping of the attack.

The German coach quickly found a way to maximise Adeyemi’s qualities after the player adapted to Barcelona. Adeyemi has operated in several positions, most notably on the left wing, where his speed and direct running have helped stretch opponents.

In seven matches, Adeyemi has scored three goals and supplied two assists. His contribution has extended beyond those numbers, however, as his movement has varied Barcelona’s attacking play and created space for his team-mates.

Using Adeyemi on the left also allowed Flick to move Raphinha into a central role and use him as a forward. The Brazil international has adapted impressively, combining intelligent movement with a sharp eye for goal.

Raphinha has scored nine goals in six La Liga appearances to lead the scoring charts. He has added two goals in the Champions League, giving him 11 goals and three assists in seven matches.

Barcelona started the season amid fears that the absence of a conventional centre-forward would weaken them. Instead, the team has scored at least five goals in five of its seven matches across La Liga and the Champions League.

Their total since the start of the campaign stands at 33 goals, an average of about 4.7 per match, underlining the strength of an attack reshaped by Flick’s tactical solutions.