Hansi Flick’s clearest public line on Barcelona’s striker planning is a simple one: “We wait [for now].” That leaves the club balancing a real need at No.9 with a willingness to hold out for Julián Álvarez rather than rush into a short-term fix that does not truly improve the squad.
- Barcelona may wait for Julián Álvarez instead of rushing into a striker signing.
- Flick and Deco are aligned on assessing the No.9 position before forcing a decision.
- Atlético Madrid’s resistance means Barcelona could finish the window without adding a forward if no convincing alternative emerges.
Barcelona’s Current No.9 Situation
Julián Álvarez has emerged as Barcelona’s preferred option to lead the line, although Flick would still like another forward added to the squad.
Barcelona’s current squad context helps explain that stance. Beyond teenage forward Hamza Abdelkarim, there is no natural No.9 in the senior group, making the discussion around the role a pressing issue rather than a luxury debate. Flick has already made the short-term approach clear after the league opener, saying he and Deco would speak about the position and adding: “We wait [for now].”
Why Julián Álvarez Is a Difficult Target
The route to Álvarez is anything but straightforward. He is an Atlético Madrid player, having featured in their 2-2 La Liga draw with Villarreal on 23 August, and remains tied to the club until June 2030 with a €500m buyout clause.
That alone would make any move complicated, and Atlético’s current stance makes it even tougher. No negotiations have opened between the clubs, Atlético are unwilling to sanction a move to Catalonia, and Diego Simeone has described Álvarez as crucial to the team’s objectives. From Barcelona’s point of view, their preferred target is available in theory but blocked in practice. Álvarez’s return of eight La Liga goals and four assists in 29 matches during the 2024-25 season also shows why Barcelona may feel he is worth the patience.
What Barcelona’s Patience Could Mean for the Window
Barcelona are still weighing up other striker options, but the current line suggests any alternative would need to be genuinely convincing rather than merely available. The club could still afford a major move despite spending more than €160m during the summer, yet there is no established fee framework or active bid that points to a quick breakthrough for Álvarez.
That leaves the remainder of the window open. Barcelona could continue to wait for their preferred target, make a late pivot if a stronger alternative emerges, or press on without a new striker rather than settle for a stopgap solution.
