FC Barcelona: the two striker profiles suited to Flick’s system

Between a classic target man and a mobile forward, Barça must choose without rushing into a decision

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FC Barcelona: the two striker profiles suited to Flick’s system

Barça is still searching for a center-forward. Two profiles seem particularly well-suited to Hansi Flick’s system, who refuses to settle for a stopgap solution.

With just days left in the summer transfer window, FC Barcelona is still looking for Robert Lewandowski’s successor. Julián Álvarez remains the top priority, but Atlético Madrid is proving especially hard to convince. Despite the Argentinian’s reported desire to move to Catalonia, the operation is becoming increasingly complicated.

Barça had even considered making a major investment and was said to have prepared a €130 million bid for Álvarez. Other names are now being mentioned, including Lautaro Martínez, Nicolò Tresoldi, Ayoze Pérez, and Georges Mikautadze. However, none of these deals appear close to completion.

Hansi Flick rejects a default signing

Hansi Flick is still waiting for reinforcements, but he’s not looking to rush the club’s decision. “I’m not worried about the number nine. I’m talking with Deco to strengthen the team,” explained the German after Barça’s 5-0 victory over Elche.

According to Sport, Flick and Deco have agreed on one principle: Barcelona will not sign a player just to make up the numbers. The coach prefers an experienced striker, someone who can deliver immediately and is already accustomed to the top level. He’d rather sign no one than gamble a significant sum on a player whose impact remains uncertain.

This stance is also possible thanks to the options already in the squad. Raphinha has agreed to play centrally when needed and scored a brace against Elche. This option could allow Barça to wait until January if no target matching Flick’s criteria becomes available before the window closes.

A target man to free up the creators

The first profile that could fit Barça is that of a classic target man, in the mold of Lewandowski. Strong and able to play with his back to goal, this number 9 would occupy the center-backs, hold up play under pressure, and serve as a focal point for teammates around him.

Such a striker would enable Lamine Yamal and Raphinha to start out wide before cutting into the box. He’d also provide passing options for Pedri, whose surging runs from midfield are game-changers. His presence in the area would increase the value of crosses and prevent opposing defenses from focusing solely on Barça’s wingers.

This profile would provide a constant reference point in the middle, especially against deep-lying defenses. On the flip side, he’d need to be mobile and active off the ball to contribute to the intense pressing Flick demands.

A mobile striker to create space

The second option is a more mobile number 9, someone who can drop between the lines and help build up play. By frequently leaving the penalty area, this forward would pull a center-back out and open up space behind the defense for runs from Yamal, Raphinha, or the midfielders.

Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez aren’t classic false nines, but they can perform this function thanks to their intelligent movement, technical ability, and work rate off the ball. Their value isn’t limited to finishing—they can combine in tight spaces, set up teammates, and trigger the press after losing possession.

This kind of striker would make Barça’s attacking play more fluid and unpredictable, though sometimes at the cost of less presence in the box. Flick must therefore choose between a true focal point and a more mobile profile. In either case, Barça now wants a signing who can make an immediate impact—not just a late-market gamble.

Also read: FC Barcelona: Raphinha answers the number 9 conundrum