On August 31, according to L'Équipe, Barcelona believes that Julián Álvarez remains the ideal candidate for the future center-forward position and plans to continue pursuing him. Currently, the team's attacking output is better than last season, with Lamine Yamal and Olmo gradually regaining form, while Fermín, Olmo, and others can also fill in as temporary center-forwards.

Barcelona ultimately will not bring in a star-level center-forward this summer. Lewandowski and Ferran Torres departed the club sequentially. The former left with great honor, while the latter's departure caused little regret. The 38 goals they scored together last season departed with them.

Meanwhile, Hansi Flick also failed to acquire Julián Álvarez. Although Barcelona had previously been told that Atlético Madrid's leadership would be willing to negotiate given sufficient interest, the Colchoneros ultimately retained the Argentine forward.

Additionally, Barcelona's plan to sign French striker Nicolás Jackson also fell through due to the player's injury during Bournemouth's preseason preparation.

Will such a situation cause panic in Catalonia?

Surprisingly, no.

At a press conference on Sunday morning, Flick even joked about journalists not asking about Julián Álvarez, appearing in quite good spirits.

Since the start of the new La Liga season, Raphinha has occupied this special role at center-forward.

Flick analyzed: "As a nine, he presses very well. He's a leader for the team on the pitch, brings intensity, and is also very efficient in front of goal. That's why he's in this position. It's not a problem for him."

In matches against Athletic Bilbao (2:0) and Elche (5:0), Raphinha performed excellently, scoring 3 goals and providing 1 assist.

However, can this solution be sustainable long-term?

Within Barcelona, the club remains firmly convinced that Julián Álvarez is the ideal candidate for this position in the team's future. Although Atlético Madrid president Miguel Ángel Gil Marín refused to enter negotiations with Barcelona president Laporta, the Catalan club still plans to pursue him again in the next transfer window.

Until the winter transfer window opens, Flick believes the current squad is sufficient to help the team compete in La Liga and the Champions League.

In the Champions League, Barcelona will face Paris Saint-Germain once again.

From a data perspective, Barcelona's current ability to create chances is even stronger than last season. This season, the team's expected goals (xG) figure stands at 2.8, compared to just 2.28 over the same period last season.

The debut of English winger Anthony Gordon has also shown positive signs. He quickly integrated into the team, fluent in Spanish and accepted by his teammates.

Meanwhile, Yamal and Olmo, fresh from winning the World Cup, are also gradually returning to their best form.

Of course, these performances still need further testing in matches against stronger opponents. Additionally, Flick still has other options who can play center-forward for the defending La Liga champions.

He said: "Fermín can also play in this position. He came on as a substitute late in recent matches and scored goals."

Besides Raphinha, Olmo has also played as a false nine, and young player Hamza Abdelkarim is also an option.

To further increase attacking options, Barcelona sporting director Déco made a surprising decision just hours before the transfer deadline closed: he targeted Gabriel Jesus.

For Jesus, this is an opportunity to prove himself again—he needs more playing time to regain form; and for Barcelona, it's also a market opportunity.

The club currently needs some alternative solutions while continuing to search for that ideal number 9.

Переведено ИИ.

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