Hansi Flick, Barcelona's coach, confirmed that the Catalan club's sports management is working seriously on signing a clear-cut striker during the current summer transfer window, noting that the final decision also depends on the future of Spanish striker Ferran Torres, amid assurances that the team has multiple options in case the deal is not finalized before the transfer market closes.
In a press conference held by the German coach at the English St. George's Park center, following what he described as a "wonderful experience" and "one of the best training camps" he has ever supervised, which culminated in a friendly match between Barcelona players, Flick revealed details of the club's plan in the transfer market and the team's technical situation before the start of the new season.
We have to do something
When the German coach was asked about the main goal of the sports management, led by Deco, this summer, which is to sign a clear-cut striker, Flick clearly acknowledged, saying: "We know that we have to do something. We have to wait, I have full confidence in Deco, and we know that we have to do something".
He added: "It also depends on Ferran. We will see what happens", explaining that in addition to the club's reluctance to miss the opportunity to sign a new striker, there is also the "Ferran Torres situation" that must be resolved first before making any final decision.
Multiple options
Regarding the possibility of playing with a false striker in case a clear-cut striker is not signed, Flick said: "It will depend on the available squad. Lamine Yamal played in this position for one or two matches with us, and I think he is a great player, a world-class player, so he can also adapt to this situation".
He added: "Gordon and Ademi can play on the wings and also as clear-cut strikers. So, in fact, we have many options", in a clear indication that the team will not suffer from a lack of attacking solutions even if a new striker is not signed.
No need to strengthen the midfield
However, the German coach did not seem very enthusiastic about signing a new midfielder after the injury of Dutch player Frenkie de Jong, saying: "We always think about improving our team, what is best for them. But at the moment, I think we have enough midfielders. This is the situation, and we will see what happens in the coming weeks".
These statements could be considered a strong blow to the ambitions of Moroccan midfielder Azzedine Ounahi, who has been linked by many press reports in recent weeks with a move to the Catalan team, as Flick's words clearly indicate that the technical management does not intend to sign an additional midfielder at the present time.
A talented and fast player
Regarding Bisseck, Barcelona's latest signing this summer, Flick said that he "trained with us only a little" and that he "arrived recently", but "you can already see that he is a talented and fast player", confirming that "the plan is for him to train with us" fully in the coming days.
Special praise for La Masia talents
Barcelona's coach highlighted, among all the young players training under his supervision during the pre-season, Ibrahim Tonkara, Xavi Espart, and Orian Gorin, saying: "When I compare this to the first year, when I arrived here in 2024, I think we have greater quality this season. Greater quality in the players, greater quality in the young players, and in La Masia players".
He added: "Ibrahim is a great talent. Orian too. Xavi Espart played very well in the right-back position. He had a great match against Birmingham. But you can also see in training that he is at a high level".
Regarding Hector Fort, Flick said: "Hector is also a talented player. He is very fast, and his technical skill is also high. I think last season with Elche was very beneficial for him. He also fully understands what it means to play for Barcelona".
Flick's silence on the future of Hamza Abdel Karim raises questions
Notably, the German coach did not address the Egyptian talent Hamza Abdel Karim in his speech, nor did he clarify whether the player will remain in the first team or return to the reserve team during the next season, especially after excluding him today from the friendly match played between Barcelona players, where he did not give him even one minute of participation, which raises big questions about the future of the Egyptian player in the Catalan team and his position in the coach's plans for the new season.
Balde is ready
As for Alejandro Balde, who was unable to participate in the training match on Monday, Flick confirmed that he is "fine and improving well", expecting him to participate in the upcoming triple tournament with Udinese.
Champions never stop
Flick concluded his speech by confirming that he is not concerned about the possibility of the world champions with the Spanish national team relaxing after winning the 2026 World Cup, saying: "I think champions never stop. They know how to win titles. This title should give them more confidence. And this is what we want to achieve this season as well".