Five goals were enough. Barcelona can now wait for their new No.9
Before Barcelona’s first league match, a new striker looked essential. Preferably immediately, preferably world-class and preferably one whose current club might actually agree to sell him. Hansi Flick’s side then scored five goals against Elche and the transfer alarm suddenly became much quieter.
According to AS, the 5-0 victory has changed the debate surrounding Barcelona’s centre-forward position. It does not mean that the club have officially abandoned their search for a traditional No.9. Flick and Deco still want one, but Barcelona no longer feel obliged to sign somebody simply to fill the space on the squad list.
There was a clear reason for the concern. The departures of Robert Lewandowski, Ferran Torres and Marcus Rashford removed players responsible for a combined 54 goals last season. A significant hole appeared on paper. At Elche, Barcelona demonstrated that several smaller solutions might be capable of covering it on the pitch.
Raphinha started as a false nine and scored twice. Fermín López added another two goals, while Karim Adeyemi registered his first for the club. Anthony Gordon came off the bench and delivered two assists. Lamine Yamal is still working towards full fitness, while Dani Olmo provides Flick with another possible option through the middle.
Barcelona have not discovered one replacement striker. They may have discovered several players capable of sharing the job.
The real examination will not take place against Elche, however. Barcelona must compete across several competitions, and a Champions League defence offers rather different questions from a league opener that ends 5-0. One excellent performance displays the squad’s potential. It does not automatically settle the position for the next nine months.
After the game, Fermín said the players trusted Deco and highlighted the attacking variety within the squad. Raphinha left the decision to the president, sporting director and coach. Both players nevertheless provided a strong argument against entering the market in a panic.
Julián Álvarez remains Barcelona’s preferred target, and AS reports that the club could continue pursuing him until the end of the window. If no proven striker becomes available at the required level, however, Barcelona are prepared to wait.
That is the important distinction. The need has not disappeared. The desperation has — at least until the first game in which five goals are replaced by five questions about the missing No.9.
Barcelona have not found their new striker yet. In Elche, they found five reasons to explain why there is no need to hurry.
Sources: AS · FC Barcelona · Reuters
