Overview
- Reports on Thursday say Atlético Madrid are refusing to sell Julián Álvarez to a direct rival and Ferran Torres now appears close to a move to Paris Saint‑Germain, leaving Barcelona without a proven centre‑forward.
- Coach Hansi Flick is trialing multiple internal 'false nine' solutions in pre‑season, using players such as Dani Olmo, Fermín López, Raphinha, Lamine Yamal, Anthony Gordon, Karim Adeyemi and youth prospects.
- Sporting director Deco and club executives have drawn up an emergency striker shortlist and have decided they will sign an external forward if Álvarez and Torres are unavailable.
- Transfer options are narrowing because targets are moving elsewhere or are unattractive to the club, for example Fisnik Asllani joining RB Leipzig and reported disinterest in Victor Osimhen, which raises the risk of a rushed late-window signing.
- The problem stems from Robert Lewandowski’s free‑transfer exit and Deco’s earlier plan to recruit wide players who can lead the line; the club now faces tactical uncertainty for the season and pressure from fans and staff for a quick resolution.