Hansi Flick has six internal options to replace Robert Lewandowski next season | OneFootball

It is clear that Barcelona’s pursuit of Julian Alvarez is not going anywhere. Atletico Madrid remain stubborn as ever and do not want to sell their star player to a direct rival.

With Alvarez set to rejoin the Atleti training camp on August 10, time is running out. And this has prompted Barcelona to start thinking about alternatives.

Unfortunately, the club do not have too many options in the market, which is why Flick is strongly looking internally.

Multiple options in the false nine position

Karim Adeyemi can operate as a false nine. (Picture credit: X/@FCBarcelona)

As reported by Mundo Deportivo, Lewandowski’s departure and the uncertainty over Ferran Torres’ future have prompted Flick to spend pre-season working on alternatives for the number nine role.

Dani Olmo is perhaps the most natural fit, having started out as a centre-forward in the academy before evolving into an attacking midfielder. He has been used as a false nine several times under Flick and retains his scoring touch.

Fermin Lopez is another candidate, being direct with a genuine nose for goal, while Raphinha’s mobility sees him drift centrally often.

Lamine Yamal has played there too, though Flick prefers to keep him as a pressing ‘seven’ for now.

The club’s two new wide signings can also operate centrally, with Anthony Gordon having played up front for Newcastle and Karim Adeyemi comfortable leading the line.

Flick has even trialled youngsters Ebrima Tunkara and Toni Fernandez in the position as well.

Why Barcelona must still sign someone new

Alvarez is still Barcelona’s best bet. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

Despite there being no dearth of internal options in the number nine position, Barcelona’s priority should be to sign a new player from the transfer market.

Julian Alvarez would be the ideal choice, but even if they fail to sign the Argentine, the club must find someone who can offer more traditional qualities inside the box.

For all their talents, players like Olmo, Yamal or Adeyemi simply do not have the strength to thrive and operate as a full time false nine. Raphinha is perhaps the strongest option but he has struggled with injuries lately.

Unfortunately for Barcelona, options are running out fast, with Fisnik Asllani joining RB Leipzig and the club being simply uninterested in Victor Osimhen, the other world class striker available in the market.