Overview
- Reports published July 23–24, 2026 say Hansi Flick and his coaching staff have decided not to make Lamine Yamal a permanent false nine and will continue to start him on the right wing.
- Coaches argue Yamal is most dangerous when he faces defenders on the flank where his acceleration and dribbling create one‑on‑one chances rather than when he must lead the central line.
- Barcelona remain focused on signing a recognised No. 9, with Julian Álvarez the primary target, but the club is assessing alternative striker options because negotiations have proved complex.
- The arrivals of Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi plus Raphinha’s presence shape the plan by supplying the physical running and hold‑up play that can open central space for Yamal to exploit.
- Yamal has said he sees a future central role but accepts the current plan, so the next signs to watch are how often Flick uses him situationally through the middle and whether Barcelona complete a striker signing.