Hansi Flick ready to bet on 29-year-old superstar as Barcelona’s No. 9 if Julian Alvarez deal fails

Hansi Flick ready to bet on 29-year-old superstar as Barcelona’s No. 9 if Julian Alvarez deal fails Barcelona will resist the temptation to sign another centre-forward this summer if their pursuit of Julian Alvarez does not come to fruition, with Hansi Flick already having a clear alternative in mind. According to SPORT , Raphinha is set to become Barcelona’s main striker if the club fail to complete a deal for Alvarez before the transfer window closes.  Notably, the Brazilian’s role as a central forward would not be an emergency solution either, with Flick having worked closely with him to develop into a more mobile and flexible No. 9. Barcelona have kept their position on Alvarez open until the final day of the market , something that was publicly acknowledged by president Joan Laporta .  The Argentine remains the club’s desired addition for the centre-forward position, but there will be no rush to sign an alternative simply to fill the vacancy. Raphinha has been preparing for No. 9 role The idea of using Raphinha through the middle has been part of Flick’s planning for some time. The German coach has been working with the Brazilian on interpreting the role of a mobile striker, rather than simply asking him to replicate the traditional profile of a penalty-box No. 9.  Raphinha will be Barcelona’s number 9. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) Raphinha’s movement, intensity and understanding of Flick’s football have made him a natural candidate for the position. His recent performances have strengthened that belief, with the Brazilian having already scored three goals. Yet the numbers are not the only reason Flick is convinced. Raphinha is regarded as one of the players who best understands what the Barcelona coach demands from his team.  His willingness to press, move across the front line and influence play beyond the penalty area gives Flick a different kind of centre-forward option. The result is that Barcelona’s Plan B has been developed internally rather than being left to the final days of the transfer window. Alvarez remains Barcelona’s priority, but… Flick has been preparing Raphinha for this role. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) Barcelona’s continued interest in Julian Alvarez remains central to their transfer strategy. Laporta has publicly left the door open to the Argentine, and the club is prepared to wait until the market closes to see whether circumstances change.  However, the sporting management’s decision not to actively pursue another No. 9 is not based solely on the hope of signing him. As such, there is complete faith in Raphinha to handle the responsibility, but Barcelona also have other players capable of offering different solutions in attack.  Notably, Fermin Lopez has three goals, while Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi can also operate as a reference point when required. Still, the hierarchy appears clear: if Alvarez does not arrive, Raphinha will be Flick’s first-choice striker.