Barcelona’s search for a new No. 9 continues, but the club are reportedly preparing for another possibility: starting the 2026/27 season without signing a traditional centre-forward. 👀
According to Mundo Deportivo, Hansi Flick has several players who could be deployed as a false nine if Barça ultimately decide not to reinforce the striker position. Recent reports also confirm that Barcelona are keeping a flexible approach to the No. 9 situation, even though Julián Álvarez remains their preferred target.
And the list is seriously interesting. 🤯
1️⃣ Dani Olmo — Perhaps the most natural option. Olmo has experience playing centrally and has already been used as a false nine under Flick. 🧠⚽
2️⃣ Fermín López — His direct running, aggression and eye for goal could make him a dangerous option between the lines. 🔥
3️⃣ Raphinha — His movement allows him to drift centrally and attack spaces rather than remaining permanently on the wing. ⚡
4️⃣ Lamine Yamal — The superstar youngster has already shown that he can operate centrally, although Flick may prefer to keep him in his current wide role where he can maximize his creativity. 💎
5️⃣ Anthony Gordon — One of Barcelona’s new attacking additions, Gordon has the pace and versatility to operate centrally when required. 🏃♂️💨
6️⃣ Karim Adeyemi — His speed, movement and ability to attack space could make him a particularly dangerous option as a central forward. His versatility has already been highlighted since arriving at Barça. 🔥
7️⃣ Toni Fernández — The young academy forward represents another exciting option, giving Flick an opportunity to continue Barcelona’s tradition of promoting youth. 🌟
8️⃣ Ebrima Tunkara — Another highly rated youngster who has been tested in attacking roles and could potentially be given opportunities around the first team. 💎🔵🔴
But there is an important twist…
Hansi Flick himself does not appear completely satisfied with the idea of going into the season without a genuine striker. Recent reports say the Barça coach has stressed that the club needs to do something in the position following Robert Lewandowski’s departure.
That makes the situation fascinating.
Barcelona have options, but having options isn’t necessarily the same thing as having a natural No. 9.
A false nine system could give Flick incredible tactical flexibility, especially with players like Yamal, Raphinha, Olmo, Gordon and Adeyemi able to rotate positions.
But over an entire season, Barça may still need someone whose primary job is simple:
🎯 Score goals.
And that’s exactly why the Julián Álvarez pursuit remains so important.
For now, Barcelona appear to have a safety net.
🇪🇸 Olmo
🔥 Fermín
⚡ Raphinha
💎 Yamal
🏃 Gordon
🚀 Adeyemi
🌟 Toni Fernández
💎 Tunkara
Eight different possibilities.
One giant question:
Does Barça really need a new striker, or can Flick turn this incredible attacking versatility into a weapon? 🤔🔥
