Barcelona face striker dilemma after Lewandowski exit

Barcelona’s summer overhaul has created as many questions as it has answers. With Robert Lewandowski among the departures, the club are heading into the new season with a reshaped attack and growing uncertainty over whether their biggest remaining target can still be secured.

Lewandowski departure leaves a clear gap

Joan Laporta has taken a very different approach to Real Madrid in the market. Barcelona have allowed three players responsible for 54 goals last season to leave, with Lewandowski, Marcus Rashford and Ferran Torres bringing in only 50 million euros in total because the first two departed on free transfers.

That has inevitably shifted the focus onto how Hansi Flick intends to build his front line. According to the source material, Barcelona’s preferred attacking setup is expected to feature Raphinha, Karim Adeyemi and Lamine Yamal, with Dani Olmo operating behind them. It is a line-up with pace, movement and technical quality, but it also raises an obvious issue: the lack of a traditional central striker if no further deal is completed.

That is the central problem facing Barcelona after Lewandowski’s exit. Replacing his presence is not simply about goals, but also structure. Without a recognised No 9, Flick may need to rely on a more fluid attacking system.

Big spending, but not every answer is in place

Barcelona have already invested significantly. Anthony Gordon and Adeyemi have arrived for a combined 92 million euros, although the report notes that Gordon, who cost 70 million, is not guaranteed a place in the starting side.

That detail underlines the balancing act in Barcelona’s recruitment. The club have spent heavily on wide and versatile attacking options, yet the most obvious vacancy remains in the middle of the attack. It also invites scrutiny over squad planning, especially given the suggestion that Rashford could have been retained for far less than the fee paid for Gordon.

Olmo’s role is another important part of the picture. His talent is not in doubt, but the source also points to concerns over his fitness record. That means Barcelona’s attacking plan may depend not only on tactical adaptation, but also on key players staying available.

Rodri close, Alvarez difficult

Barcelona’s midfield could soon receive a major lift. Rodri is described as being close to joining, a move that would be especially significant in light of Frenkie de Jong’s serious injury. If completed, it would give Barcelona a midfield core closely aligned with the Spain national team setup.

Yet while that prospective deal would strengthen one department, the situation in attack appears far less straightforward. A move for Julian Alvarez is said to be becoming increasingly unrealistic. The proposed transfer is valued at 150 million euros, and Atletico Madrid are not currently willing to open negotiations.

That leaves Barcelona in a difficult position. Alvarez is presented as the dream solution, but for now it is not a deal under the club’s control. Unless that stance changes, Flick may have to begin the campaign without the kind of centre-forward many would consider essential after Lewandowski’s departure.

More business still possible

Barcelona are also hoping that Saudi club Al-Hilal will allow Joao Cancelo to return. That would address another area of the squad, but it would not remove the broader concern over the attack.

The wider picture is clear enough: Barcelona have refreshed the squad, but the rebuild is incomplete. If Rodri arrives, the midfield could become a major strength. If Alvarez does not, the question of how Barcelona replace Lewandowski’s role may define the early part of Flick’s tenure.

For now, that is the issue hanging over the club’s summer. Barcelona have changed their attack, but they have not yet fully solved it.