Flick says Barcelona’s striker plans depend on Ferran Torres

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick says the club’s decision on whether to sign a striker this summer will depend partly on Ferran Torres, while he remains confident in sporting director Deco to assess what the squad needs.

Barcelona completed their pre-season camp in England after facing Birmingham, with the match ending in a defeat on penalties. The club currently have Hamza Abd Al-Karim and Torres listed as their recognised central striking options.

Asked about the possibility of adding another forward, Flick told reporters: “The striker signing? It will depend on the team. I have great confidence in Deco and we know that we have to do something, but it also depends on Ferran Torres.”

The Germany manager did not rule out further recruitment elsewhere in the squad, including midfield, but said Barcelona already have players capable of operating in that area.

“We are always open to strengthening the team,” said Flick. “The truth is that we already have players in this position, but we will see how the situation develops over the coming weeks.”

Flick also used the club’s young players as part of his assessment of Barcelona’s squad, saying he believes the group has improved since he first arrived at the club in 2024.

“If you compare this season with the first year I came here in 2024, I think we have greater quality in the players this season, greater quality among the young players and at La Masia,” he said. “Tonkar is a great talent.”

Barcelona have several young players competing for opportunities, and Flick highlighted the performances of Xavi Espart after he operated as a second striker against Birmingham.

“We have many young players,” he added. “Xavi Espart also played as a second striker. His performance against Birmingham was very good, but even in training you can see that he is at the highest level. There are many other things as well; that is what I have seen in the past few weeks.”

Hamza Abd Al-Karim scored both of Barcelona’s goals in the friendly against Birmingham. His display gives Flick another option to consider as the club weigh up whether a new central forward is necessary before the summer transfer window closes.

Flick’s comments suggest Barcelona’s recruitment plans will be shaped not only by the availability of a potential signing but also by how Torres fits into the attacking structure. The manager has indicated that the club know further action may be required, although he has also stressed that the final decision will depend on the balance of the squad and the development of its younger players.