Hansi Flick's Barcelona are the current Spanish title holders, but the main target for the German manager is to improve the team's performance in Europe.
The Blaugrana made some changes in their roster in the first part of the summer transfer window, but they still haven't replaced their starting striker, Robert Lewandowski, who left as a free agent and joined MLS side Chicago Fire this summer. With not long to go before the end of the transfer session, Barcelona president Joan Laporta and sporting director Deco are still working to find the right player for their attacking squad.
Barcelona's big signings ahead of the summer, such as Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi, strengthen Flick's options on the wings, but the signing of Rodri was arguably the most important addition. The captain of the Spanish national team, who lifted the 2026 World Cup, is widely regarded as one of the best players in the world, especially after winning the 2024 Ballon d'Or.
According to Jose Mourinho, Barcelona's former coach, Rodri had doubts about joining the club after also holding talks with Real Madrid. In an exclusive interview with El Chiringuito, Mourinho said: "I spoke with him a couple of times. Real Madrid made him a very good offer. I think the relationship between Real Madrid and City is very good. The club made him a generous offer. Rodri had doubts, he doubted, and I think what happened is that the doubts Rodri had gave me doubts."
The Catalan club tried to sign Julian Alvarez from Atletico Madrid, but the Spanish side blocked the move despite the Argentine striker pushing for a transfer to Flick's team. The two clubs then became embroiled in a verbal war that grew increasingly tense during the first weeks of June.
Lautaro Martinez emerged as a candidate to replace Lewandowski, but Inter president Giuseppe Marotta cooled the rumors down ahead of the opening match of the season against Monza. "Lautaro is our captain, our history. There are not even the conditions to sell him. You should not even speak about Lautaro's exit," he said.
Flick has achieved his domestic objectives, leading Barcelona to two titles in two seasons, but winning in Europe is different. Success can depend heavily on the form of key players at specific moments of the season, as last season proved. Trying to compete without a proper replacement for Lewandowski would be a risky decision that is unlikely to pay off.
Signing a top-class central striker in the coming days must be a priority for the Blaugrana ahead of the new season, especially given Real Madrid's summer additions, which could make the domestic race even more challenging and leave Barcelona with little space for mistakes in key matches.
The upcoming European campaign is just around the corner, and Barcelona still haven't found a proper replacement for Lewandowski. With the transfer window closing soon, the pressure is mounting on Laporta and Deco to find the right player for their attacking squad. The clock is ticking, and the Catalan club can't afford to make any more mistakes if they want to finally break their Champions League drought.
Source: CBS
