No Midfield Cover for De Jong as Late Funds Target Specialist No. 9
Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick confirmed on August 21, 2026, that the Spanish club is actively working to sign a specialist central striker before the transfer window closes. Sporting director Deco is leading market operations for the move, with any potential arrival conditioned directly on Ferran Torres‘ roster situation.
Deco Focuses Transfer Resources Exclusively on Frontline Unit
Flick has ruled out bringing in a new midfielder to replace the injured Frenkie de Jong, taking the position that existing internal options provide adequate central depth. That directive isolates the remaining transfer window budget and operational effort strictly to securing a recognized frontline finisher.
Barcelona
clubThe coaching staff has evaluated multi-positional attackers currently in the squad, noting that Lamine Yamal can function as a false nine, while both Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi hold the flexibility to play out wide or down the center. Despite those internal options, the technical setup views a true central striker as an essential addition to complete the roster.
The decision narrows Barcelona‘s priority to a single tactical role as final negotiations proceed ahead of the deadline. Reporting for this development originated with Spanish outlet SPORT.
