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With Robert Lewandowski gone, Ferran Torres heading towards PSG and few proven strikers available in Europe’s top five leagues, Barcelona may have to look within their own squad. If Julián Álvarez cannot be signed, Hansi Flick has three alternatives at his disposal.

Barcelona’s attack is entering a new phase. Lewandowski has left for MLS side Chicago Fire, while Ferran Torres has agreed personal terms with PSG. Marcus Rashford has also returned to Manchester United after his loan spell ended.

The obvious solution would be to enter the market for another established striker, but that is easier said than done. There are not many proven strikers currently playing in Europe’s top five leagues who are both available and realistic targets for Barcelona.

Julián Álvarez remains the dream option, but Atlético Madrid have already rejected a €100 million offer for the Argentine and have shown little willingness to negotiate his departure.

If Barcelona cannot get Álvarez, Flick may have to look at the options already inside the club.

1. Anthony Gordon: The Most Probable Option

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Anthony Gordon could be the most natural solution. The Newcastle forward is primarily a left winger, but his 2025/26 campaign showed just how much more dangerous he can be when moved centrally. In his traditional wide role, Gordon had a modest 0.23 goals-per-game ratio. When deployed as a striker, however, that figure jumped dramatically to 0.83 goals per game.

That is a significant difference and gives Flick a strong reason to consider using him through the middle.

Gordon would also fit Barcelona’s style. His pace allows him to attack space behind defenders, while his movement could create room for Lamine Yamal and Raphinha to operate around him.

Perhaps even more importantly, Gordon brings the work rate Flick demands from his forwards. His willingness to press and chase defenders would allow Barcelona to maintain the intensity they have become known for without the ball.

He would not be a traditional replacement for Lewandowski, but he could give Barcelona a more mobile and aggressive attack.

2. Dani Olmo: Change the System

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The second option would be to stop looking for a direct replacement for Lewandowski altogether.

Dani Olmo could operate as a false nine, dropping deeper into midfield instead of staying between the opposition centre-backs. His technical ability and intelligence on the ball make him perfectly capable of connecting midfield with attack.

The benefit would be the space it creates.

If Olmo drops deep, defenders are forced to decide whether to follow him or hold their position. Either decision can open gaps for Lamine Yamal and Raphinha on either wing to exploit.

Olmo would not provide Lewandowski’s physical presence or traditional No.9 movement, but Barcelona could compensate by making the entire attack more fluid.

Instead of asking one player to replace Lewandowski’s goals, Flick could spread the responsibility across the front three.

3. Hamza Abdelkarim: The Long-Term Gamble

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Then there is Hamza Abdelkarim. At just 18, the tall striker is still a prospect and cannot realistically be expected to immediately replace Lewandowski in the starting XI. Flick could give him opportunities in certain matches or situations, but throwing him into the team every week would be a huge responsibility for a player with limited senior experience.

Abdelkarim still needs exposure to top-level Spanish and European football. His physical profile and potential make him an intriguing option for the future, but Barcelona would need to develop him patiently. That makes him very different from Gordon and Olmo.

Gordon could potentially provide an immediate solution. Olmo could change the way Barcelona attack. Abdelkarim is the long-term project.

Barcelona may still need to sign a striker if Álvarez becomes unattainable. But with so few quality and realistic striking options available in Europe’s top five leagues, Flick cannot simply assume that another Lewandowski is waiting in the transfer market.

He may have to build the next Barcelona attack rather than replace the old one.

Gordon offers the most natural solution, Olmo provides a tactical alternative, and Abdelkarim represents the future.