Barça keeps planning a competitive squad while looking for medium-term solutions to strengthen its forward line. Hansi Flick wants to go beyond Lewandowski, who, at 36 years old, no longer guarantees consistency. Although the Polish footballer is still performing, the club is aware that it must urgently prepare for his replacement.
The sporting management has explored the market in search of a forward with power, finishing ability, and experience. It's not about signing for the sake of signing, but about finding a "9" who fits Flick's system. The goal is clear: someone young, decisive, and hungry to succeed at the European elite level.
That ideal profile had already been highlighted in red in Barça's offices for several weeks. Deco considers it a market opportunity if a well-structured deal can be reached. However, the club's plans have suffered an unexpected setback that could blow up the operation.
Atlético moves ahead with a surprising move
A silent but effective offensive is coming from Madrid, shaking up the board among Europe's top clubs. Simeone's Atlético is also looking for a forward and doesn't want to fall behind in the race to strengthen its squad. "Cholo" has been blunt: he wants a top scorer and is willing to make sacrifices.
According to sources close to the deal, the red-and-white club has already had direct contact with the entourage of the desired footballer. To facilitate the move, Simeone has proposed including one of its most important footballers in the exchange. It's a move that would even surprise Barça's executives.
Atlético knows it can't compete financially with other European giants. That's why it has activated a swap formula that could prove to be a winner. The key to everything would be a footballer who has been indispensable for Simeone over the past two seasons.
Nahuel Molina, Cholo's secret weapon
Nahuel Molina is Atlético's starting right-back and one of the most highly valued footballers in his position. The Argentine international has performed at a high level since his arrival in LaLiga and has a good reputation in Europe. Especially in Italy, where several clubs have had him on their radar for months.
Atlético has offered Molina as a bargaining chip to lower a transfer fee that exceeds €70 million ($76 million). His inclusion would greatly facilitate negotiations with the selling club and unlock a stalled operation. It's an aggressive strategy, but one that could yield immediate results.
Meanwhile, Barça is watching with concern as one of its top summer priorities slips away. The Catalan club doesn't have the margin to match such a well-structured offer or to compete in terms of timing. Hansi Flick has already been informed of the new scenario and is considering other options available on the market.
Barça keeps looking for alternatives in the market
In the blaugrana offices, the idea of bringing in a forward before the summer transfer window closes is still in place. The demand is at its highest, but resources are limited due to Financial Fair Play restrictions. That's why they trust in repeating formulas like Rashford's: a loan with a purchase option.
Flick wants to have a balanced squad, where scoring doesn't depend exclusively on Lewandowski. The coach believes that adding a mobile, powerful, and direct "9" would give the team new attacking options. For now, that profile still hasn't materialized at Can Barça.
Everything indicated that the chosen one for that role had a specific name and fit perfectly with what Barça is looking for. However, Atlético's move has completely changed the plans and forces a reassessment of priorities. Time is running out, and any hasty decision could be very costly.
The footballer who was on Barça's radar and is now getting closer to Atlético is none other than Dušan Vlahović. The Serbian forward appeals to Flick because of his power, finishing, and ability to pin down center-backs. But if Simeone manages to get him through a swap with Nahuel Molina, Barça will have to look for another reliable "9".