Barcelona enters pre‑season with a clear urgency: find a proven striker before training starts on July 13. The club tops La Liga with 94 points, 31 wins, 1 draw and 6 losses, and boasts a +59 goal difference, yet the lack of a solid No. 9 threatens its dominance.

What’s happening with the attack?

The only registered forward is Ferran Torres, and management has said a “number 9” with guarantees is needed. Anthony Gordon, the sole confirmed signing, arrived for a fee that splits fans. Meanwhile, Joao Pedro, Dusan Vlahovic, Ousmane Dembélé and Lautaro Martínez surface in rumors, but none have materialised.

Why is the signing so hard?

The most attractive targets are Julián Álvarez from Atlético Madrid and Harry Kane from Bayern Munich. Álvarez is the top priority, but Atlético demands over €150 million and has made clear it will not sell the Argentine without an exceptional offer. Kane, who turns 33 at the end of the month, is under contract until 2027 and has reiterated he will not move this summer.

What does this mean for Laporta and the club?

Joan Laporta watches the clock run down: pre‑season begins in four days and the calendar is packed with World Cup 2026 matches, leaving Barça without several key players. The departure of Robert Lewandowski to MLS and the end of loans for João Cancelo and Marcus Rashford further shrink offensive options.

What’s the short‑term outlook?

After the 3‑1 loss to Valencia on May 23, the team needs to boost its attack to keep the 8‑point lead over Real Madrid. Pressure mounts as the club remains atop the table, but a recent goal drought (two straight defeats) endangers its lead. If Laporta fails to secure a striker before training, Hansi Flick’s project could be jeopardised.

Key fact: Barcelona leads La Liga with 94 points, 8 points ahead of Real Madrid, and has scored 95 goals while conceding 36, according to official data on July 9 2026.