Archive · 26 Aug 2026
Barcelona May Go Without Striker as Atlético Resist Alvarez Sale
Barcelona wants to sign striker Julian Alvarez from Atlético Madrid.
Atlético has not agreed to sell him.
Barcelona coach Hansi Flick says the club might not sign another striker if the deal fails.
He believes Barcelona already has a strong squad.
The team lost Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres during the summer.
New players such as Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi can also play in attack.
Barcelona used Raphinha as its striker in a 5-0 win over Elche.
Flick also expects Rodri to play alongside Pedri soon.
Barcelona may finish the transfer window without signing a striker if Atlético Madrid refuse to sell Julian Alvarez.
Coach Hansi Flick said Barcelona must consider its long-term future and expressed confidence in the current squad.
Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres have left, while Barcelona signed Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi.
Barcelona defeated Elche 5-0 with winger Raphinha starting as the central attacker.
Rodri is expected to join the squad against Athletic Bilbao and could make his Barcelona debut.
- Who
- Barcelona, coach Hansi Flick, Atlético Madrid, and forward Julian Alvarez.
- What
- Barcelona is pursuing Alvarez but may end the transfer window without signing a new striker.
- When
- Flick discussed the situation on Wednesday; Barcelona hosts Athletic Bilbao on Thursday.
- Where
- The upcoming match will be played in Barcelona at Camp Nou.
- Why
- Barcelona wants attacking cover after the departures of Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres, while the club is also weighing its longer-term financial and sporting plans.
Alvarez Priority
Long-Term Squad Approach
Whether Barcelona needs another striker
Alvarez Priority
Barcelona president Joan Laporta reportedly wants Alvarez or no alternative striker, reflecting a preference for securing a high-profile central forward.
Long-Term Squad Approach
Flick said Barcelona may use players such as Dani Olmo, Fermin Lopez, Anthony Gordon, or Karim Adeyemi through the middle and has confidence in the current squad.
Transfer spending strategy
Alvarez Priority
The coaching perspective favors adding the best available attacking option if possible.
Long-Term Squad Approach
Flick said Barcelona must consider the future, not only the present, and praised the club for planning over the next three to five years.
- Transfer target
- Julian Alvarez, the Argentinian forward Barcelona is pursuing.
- Selling club
- Atlético Madrid has so far refused to sell Alvarez.
- Barcelona departures
- Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres left the club during the summer.
- New attacking signings
- Barcelona signed wingers Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi.
- Recent result
- Barcelona beat Elche 5-0, with Raphinha playing up front.
- Current center-forward options
- Dani Olmo, Fermin Lopez, Gordon, and Adeyemi can play through the middle.
- Rodri debut
- Rodri is expected to be included against Athletic Bilbao and may appear as a substitute.