With the transfer window approaching its conclusion, Barcelona have yet to bring in a player who can fill the void at the heart of the attack. Time is of the essence for the La Liga giants as they intensify their pursuit of a striker who can rack up the goals at the Camp Nou.
As Barcelona approach the beginning of their campaign, finding a striker who can get in positions, link up with teammates and finish is crucial if they are to confidently step into Europe as top contenders. The pursuit of Alvarez remains, but as Atletico continue to maintain their stance, it seems hard to see a way in which the Argentine striker will join the Blaugrana this season. Can Barcelona develop into one of the most elite attacks in Europe, leaving a mark on any opposition they face? Or will football spectators wonder what could have been if their attack were complete with a new striker?
Barcelona’s current options
As much as Barca do need to solve their striker crisis, they are not short of quality in that area with the weapons already in their arsenal. Anthony Gordon played through the middle on numerous occasions for Newcastle last season, Olmo has excelled while playing through the centre as a false 9, Hamza showed his quality in preseason; and Flick has explored the potential of playing Yamal as a false 9 as well.
This is not the first time Barcelona has been in this predicament. During the prime La Masia era, Messi was used as a false 9 and thrived in that role, and so did Fabregas when he played there occasionally for Barca and Spain.
The transfer deadline is closing in
Despite having other alternatives, a striker would elevate their attack and take them to the pinnacle of European football. But with time running out, Barcelona’s options are narrowing, with both Inter and Atletico shutting the door on Alvarez and Lautaro.
With Raphinha’s great start to the season, could Barcelona survive with their current options? Perhaps saving the money to reassess next summer would be the best option for the Blaugranas.
