Hansi Flick hints at ‘Surprise’ striker for Barcelona’s La Liga opener against Elche

23.08.26 FT LaLiga Spain

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FC Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has teased a potential surprise in his starting lineup ahead of the club's first official 2026 /27 La Liga fixture against Elche CF, as the Catalan giants navigate a heavily depleted attacking roster.

Read Also: Barcelona’s massive contract move to protect Hamza Abdelkarim

The number 9 dilemma and the Egyptian fix

Barcelona head into Sunday's Matchday 2 clash without having signed a traditional centre forward during the current transfer window.

The frontline has seen significant turnover, highlighted by the departures of Ferran Torres to Paris Saint Germain and Robert Lewandowski to the Chicago Fire following the expiration of his contract.

When pressed about who will lead the line against Elche, Flick remained coy but optimistic.

"We have several options within the squad.. Of course, I know who will play but there might be a surprise" the German tactician stated.

While Flick refused to explicitly confirm if Hamza Abdelkarim would start, he heaped praise on the rising Egyptian star:

"Hamza has had an excellent pre season. He is a promising young striker, has scored goals and looked outstanding"

Abdelkarim finished as Barcelona’s top scorer during the preparatory phase, netting four times:

• 2 goals vs Birmingham City
• 1 goal vs FC Basel
• 1 goal vs Al Ahly

Open door for defensive exits

Beyond the attacking setup, the Barcelona boss acknowledged that the squad remains in flux before the summer transfer window slams shut.

Addressing speculation surrounding Alejandro Balde, Marc Casadó and Jules Kounde, Flick adopted a pragmatic stance.

"Changes might occur and we will have to wait until the end of the transfer window to see who leaves" he noted.

Current market reports suggest significant interest in Barcelona's defensive assets:

• Jules Koundé: Heavily linked with reigning Premier League champions Arsenal and Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich
  
• Alejandro Balde: Reportedly drawing strong interest from Manchester United
  
• Marc Casadó: Associated with a lucrative switch to Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal

Barcelona will travel to the Estadio Martínez Valero on Sunday to face Elche where Flick's "surprise" attacking configuration will finally be revealed.

Meanwhile, the club's sporting directors face a frantic race against the clock to finalize any pending sales or last minute acquisitions before the transfer deadline.

Khaled Hegazy |

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Journaliste sportif spécialisé dans la couverture du football et la création de contenu numérique, alliant expérience éditoriale et expertise des médias sociaux.

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