One target, diminishing confidence

Barcelona have treated Atlético Madrid forward Julián Álvarez as their clear attacking priority throughout the transfer window. But Atlético’s refusal to entertain a sale, combined with Barcelona’s reluctance to meet an extraordinary valuation, has created growing pessimism around the move.

The likely sale of Ferran Torres to Paris Saint-Germain makes the issue more urgent. Barcelona will lose its only other senior recognised striker after Robert Lewandowski’s departure, and club sources acknowledge that the possibility of signing nobody in the position cannot be completely dismissed.

Mikautadze offers the closest stylistic fit

Among the possible alternatives, Georges Mikautadze appears to offer the strongest balance between quality and affordability. The Villarreal forward scored 13 goals and supplied six assists in the 2025-26 La Liga season after producing 17 goals and 11 assists for Lyon in the previous campaign.

Only Kylian Mbappe, Lamine Yamal, Vedat Muriqi and Vinicius Junior recorded more goal contributions in Spain’s top flight last season. At 25, Mikautadze is approaching his peak and combines movement, technical ability and finishing in a way that could suit Barcelona’s preference for a mobile, creative front line.

Other profiles under consideration

Frankfurt’s Jonathan Burkardt would offer a more penalty-box-focused profile. He scored four Bundesliga goals from inside the six-yard box last season and nine in that area during his final season at Mainz. His anticipation and strength could give Barcelona the focal presence they lack, although he does not provide the complete skill set associated with Álvarez.

Fisnik Asllani is another unconventional option. He scored 10 Bundesliga goals and created seven more last season, but a proposed move to RB Leipzig collapsed after medical concerns were raised. Victor Osimhen has previously been monitored, although there is no indication Barcelona have opened negotiations with the Nigeria international or Galatasaray.

Could Flick use a false No 9?

Barcelona could rotate Dani Olmo, Fermin Lopez, Raphinha or Lamine Yamal through a central role. Yamal has said he expects eventually to play more in central spaces, arguing that opponents cannot mark him as easily there with three players. Flick has also admitted that Yamal can adapt to the position, while stressing that the winger remains the club’s preferred role for now.

Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi can also operate centrally after arriving as versatile forwards. That flexibility could help Barcelona in certain matches, but it would not solve the underlying problem. A team that loses 43 goals through the departures of Lewandowski and Torres still needs a specialist No 9 for games in which it requires a target, a penalty-box presence and a reliable finisher.