Hans Flick is undertaking a serious transformation of FC Barcelona's forward line. With the 2026/27 season bearing down, the Blaugrana are more than active in the summer market, having already acquired Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi. These two additions bring a sorely needed injection of elite pace, directness and versatility into the team.
However, there are still more dominoes that are set to fall, none more important than a central striker. Ferran Torres, who is fresh off scoring the winning goal for Spain in the 2026 World Cup final, is rumored to be heading to PSG and, to fill that void and upgrade a number 9, Barca are actively pursuing Julian Alvarez for a staggering figure of 100m+ from Atletico Madrid.
Meanwhile, all talk of Raphinha going to the Saudi Pro League has died down and he looks set to remain a key part of Flick's system. On the other side, 19-year-old wonderkid, Lamine Yamal, is clearly nailed on at the right wing. Given how malleable all these new additions are, Flick has a very pleasant selection dilemma. Here are four ways Barcelona's attack could look next season.
Option 1: The dream front three
LW: Raphinha | ST: Julian Alvarez | RW: Lamine Yamal
If Barcelona manage to pull off the signing of Alvarez this summer, then this is surely the front three Flick will look to use in important matches. Raphinha secured his untouchable status last season with an absurd amount of work rate combined with attacking threat. Playing on the left side it perfectly balances this ferocious trio up top, alongside the elite pressing of Alvarez and the supreme creativity of Yamal on the right.
The bench Impact: This starting three gives Flick an arsenal on the bench. Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi can terrorize tired legs during the second half. Gordon could directly swap for Raphinha and maintain the intensity on the left, while Adeyemi could play all over the front three tactically.
Option 2: Gordon unleashed on the left wing
LW: Anthony Gordon | ST: Julian Alvarez | RW: Lamine Yamal
Hans Flick could not have urged the board to spend such a significant sum on Anthony Gordon just for him to sit on the bench. Fresh off the back of a blistering World Cup where he had two assist in what felt like critical moments against DR Congo, as well as scoring against Argentina in the semis, Gordon can provide the directness and verticality that Barcelona have lacked.
In this lineup, Gordon holds the left-wing touch line, forcing defenders into 1v1 situations and stretching play horizontally for Alvarez to operate inside his half, creating space for Yamal's left foot to hit.
The bench impact: This lineup shifts Raphinha into an elite rotation role to the point that whoever starts for Barcelona at the left wing, the intensity and attacking threat will not decrease. Karim Adeyemi is the ultimate tactical rotation wildcard.
Option 3: The Adeyemi "false 9" contingency
LW: Raphinha or Gordon | ST: Karim Adeyemi | RW: Lamine Yamal
Atletico Madrid are one of the most stubborn negotiators at the current time and what if Barcelona are unable to make this historic transfer happen? Flick would then have a natural solution in the former Dortmund attacking maestro, Karim Adeyemi.
Flick himself played a role in giving Adeyemi his senior international debut and this reunion would likely see him play on the left flank but as a false nine who plays on the shoulder of center backs, stretching the backline and creating huge channels for Gordon or Raphinha driving in on the left. This would not resemble a target striker of any traditional sense.
Option 4: The Rotation Scheme
LW: Raphinha | ST: Anthony Gordon | RW: Karim Adeyemi
It's essential for Barcelona not to burn out the 19-year-old phenomenon Lamine Yamal. He has already played a full club season and then a full international campaign. He simply cannot be expected to play 50+ matches this year.
Instead, he will require controlled rotation, something Barca have the luxury of now.
In this completely rotated attacking trio, Adeyemi plays at right wing, with Raphinha on the left, and Gordon playing upfront as a false nine. With a high defensive line, this front three would be an absolute nightmare for opponents and provide speed and relentless pressing while allowing Yamal to recuperate.
This trio can even change their positions depending on the requirement. Raphinha can move to the right hand side and operate as a playmaker. Gordon can play as the striker and drop deep combining with the midfield, and look for the run of Adeyemi on the left hand side.
What sets the attacking lineup of Barcelona different, is the versatality and unpredictability. All the forward players are more then adept at playing in multiple positions and excel with different resposibilities. Barcelona's attack will be something to watch the coming season.
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