Raphinha is expected to remain Hansi Flick’s first-choice centre-forward for Barcelona if the club cannot complete a deal for Julian Alvarez from Atletico de Madrid, according to Sport.
The Brazil international has impressed in a position that is not his usual role, scoring three goals and providing one assist across two La Liga matches while operating at the head of the attack. Those performances have strengthened the case for him to continue as the focal point of Barcelona’s frontline.
Sport reports that Barcelona will not pursue another striker if they fail to sign Alvarez. Instead, Raphinha will continue to be used as the club’s main centre-forward, with Flick prepared to persist with the approach that has produced early returns.
The decision has already been made by Flick, the report says. The Barcelona manager is working closely with Raphinha to help him fully adapt to the responsibilities of the new position and cover the absence of a recognised number nine.
Raphinha has traditionally been regarded as a winger, but his recent displays in a central role have given Flick an alternative solution in attack. Rather than immediately turning to another forward, the German coach intends to develop the Brazilian’s understanding of the position and make the system work around his qualities.
The arrangement is dependent on Barcelona’s transfer plans. If the club succeeds in bringing Alvarez to the Catalan side from Atletico de Madrid, the situation could change. If the move does not happen, however, Raphinha is set to remain the main option through the middle.
Barcelona are therefore not expected to widen their search for a different striker. Flick’s current plan is to continue refining Raphinha’s game in the role, allowing the forward to compensate for the lack of a specialist number nine.
His contribution in the two La Liga matches has provided the basis for that decision. Three goals and an assist have enabled Raphinha to make an immediate impact despite playing in a position that is less familiar to him.
For Flick, the task now is to ensure that the experiment develops beyond a short-term solution. The manager is actively helping Raphinha adjust to the demands of leading the line, while Barcelona’s recruitment strategy remains linked to whether Alvarez can be signed.
Until that question is resolved, Raphinha is set to continue as Barcelona’s preferred centre-forward. The club’s reported decision not to pursue another attacking player means Flick will focus on preparing the Brazilian to fill the role and maintain the attacking output he has already delivered in La Liga.
