Catalan Giants at a Dead End? Atlético Holds onto Star, Hansi Flick Prepares Plan B

The reigning Spanish champions are keen on acquiring the 26-year-old 2022 World Cup winner, but Atlético has so far refused to sell the player. Álvarez missed Wednesday's training due to illness.

Media reports indicate that FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta wants "Álvarez or no one," and Flick emphasized that the club must also consider the future and is content with the current squad. "I don't want to talk about Julián; I want to talk about the club's situation. We've made really good transfers in this market. Our goal is clear, but the club must think about the future, not just the present. As a coach, I ask for the best possible players, but I have full confidence in the quality we currently possess," Flick stated.

Barca felt the departures of forwards Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres this summer, but they were replaced by wingers Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi. The only natural central striker remaining in the squad is Egyptian teenager Hamza Abdelkarim, who impressed during pre-season but has yet to make his official senior team debut.

Barcelona began the season with Raphinha playing in a striker role and defeated Elche 5-0 on Sunday. Flick admitted that the club might need to explore various solutions for the position, with Dani Olmo, Fermín Lopez, Gordon, and Adeyemi all capable of playing as a central forward.

"We need to find solutions for certain matches, but the quality we have is immense. The club is doing a great job, and Deco, who is at the club, is also helping with that. We are looking to the future, not just this moment, but three, four, five years ahead," Flick added.

The Catalans host Bilbao on Thursday, and Rodri, who arrived at Barcelona from Manchester City, could make his debut. Flick confirmed that he would likely feature as a substitute.

The experienced 61-year-old coach is looking forward to seeing Spanish World Cup winners Rodri and Pedri collaborate in midfield. "Rodri has more experience; he's a leader. With Pedri, they can control the ball, the game, and the opponent. Everyone knows Rodri is one of the best, and together with Pedri, it will be at a high level," Flick concluded.