At FC Barcelona, this summer is synonymous with changes, but not at center forward. At least, not immediately. The sporting management is clear that strengthening the attacking wings is the priority.
That's why the closest arrivals are Nico Williams and Roony Bardghji, two fast and technical wingers. However, the key piece for the "9" position hasn't been decided yet.
The striker making headlines: Hugo EkitikƩ
Although Lewandowski and Ferran Torres are mentioned in many media outlets, Hansi Flick's real bet seems to be another. It's Hugo EkitikƩ, a young French striker from Eintracht Frankfurt. BarƧa has already inquired about him this summer, according to sports sources, but the operation has been put on hold.
The club prefers to focus first on the wings and leave the star striker for the summer of 2026/27. If EkitikƩ remains in Frankfurt by then, BarƧa will make a serious attempt to sign him.
Why EkitikƩ?
This young Frenchman isn't just any striker; he's 6 ft. 3 in. tall (1.90 meters) and combines physicality with a lot of speed. He's a modern "9" who not only plays with his back to goal but also knows how to drift to the wings to create play. In addition, his dribbling and technique are remarkable.
In the last season, EkitikƩ scored 22 goals and provided 12 assists in 48 matches. This performance has put him on the radar of several European giants, especially those in the Premier League.
The economic dilemma: can BarƧa compete?
Eintracht Frankfurt has set a high price: around 100 million euros. This figure, for a club in the midst of economic reconstruction like Barcelona, represents a major challenge. That's why the club prefers to wait and analyze the situation.
Meanwhile, clubs like Manchester United, Liverpool, and Chelsea have already shown interest. In fact, EkitikƩ himself acknowledged that Manchester United is one of his favorites. This puts BarƧa in a complicated position to compete for him.
What now?
For now, BarƧa won't go after a star center forward this summer. The priority remains strengthening the wings. But Hugo EkitikƩ is on Hansi Flick's and the sporting management's wish list.
It'll be the next transfer window when the club decides whether to make a big effort to bring him in. Meanwhile, the question remains: should BarƧa take the risk and go all in for EkitikƩ now, or keep trusting the current alternatives?
Only time and the market will tell. But it's clear that neither Lewandowski nor Ferran Torres are the big bet for the "9" in this blaugrana era.