FC Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick sees a new number 9 as the top priority for his team moving forward into 2026/2027.
With a domestic-double-winning season wrapping up on May 23, Barça have been busy repleneshing a squad that wants a first Champions League crown since 2015 after clinching five out of the six trophies on offer in Spain across the German’s first two terms.
Already, we’ve seen the Catalans land left winger Anthony Gordon for $93 million (€80 million) in quick fashion, which provides immediate competition for star player Raphinha and possibly Marcus Rashford if the Englishman’s $35 million (€30 million) buy option is activated before a loan arrangement with Manchester United expires on June 30.
While we’ve had reports of Flick giving his thumbs up to a potential free transfer pursuit of midfielder and right winger Bernardo Silva when his Manchester City conract expires on said date, the manager is giving ‘total priority’ to a new number 9 according to Mundo Deportivo.
Flick wants a new frontman at FC Barcelona
With modern day legend Robert Lewandowski set to depart at the end of the month, Barça evidently needs a new number 9 worthy of filling the Pole’s boots.
Thankfully, Flick and Sporting Director Deco, who have worked so well together during a shared tenure in their respective positions, are in agreement that the number one target should be Julian Alvarez.
Barça have already launched a bid $116 million for the Argentine, who according to reports in his homeland has already agreed to join the Catalans on a five-year deal.
The same source, Dsports Radio believes that something between $140 and $145.5 million (€120 and €125 million) will tempt Atleti into selling a player that cost $110 million from Manchester City in 2024.
A Plan B alternative is Harry Kane, who SPORT’s David Bernabeu explains Bayern Munich will only start negotiating for from a $90 million (€85 million) jump-off point given a $75.6 million (€65 million) release clause he previously had in his contract has now expired.
Whoever ends up being Barça’s frontman, Flick is only prepared to start thinking about other additions to the squad such as Silva when the striker conundrum is resolved.
What is also clear is that players must be offloaded to make way for fresh faces, though Ferran Torres’ could be safe as a back up to a marquee new number 9 at FC Barcelona.
