Overview
- Barcelona entered the new season without a recognised senior centre‑forward after Robert Lewandowski left and Ferran Torres moved to PSG, leaving a clear gap at No.9.
- Club training footage and coach comments confirm Hansi Flick has trialled 19‑year‑old Lamine Yamal in a central false‑nine role and Yamal scored from that position in a practice match.
- The squad lists only 18‑year‑old Hamza Abdelkarim as a natural striker and several youth players and recent signings are being used as temporary central options.
- Barcelona remain focused on signing Julián Álvarez as their preferred pure centre‑forward, but Atlético Madrid’s reluctance to sell has made that pursuit uncertain and time sensitive.
- The shortfall forces Flick to balance experimental tactics with transfer urgency, which could prompt a late signing, shape the season’s attacking setup, and affect youth playing time.