At Barcelona’s partially renovated Nou Camp stadium, an unoccupied locker in the new dressing room symbolizes the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the club’s search for a new No. 9 striker. Despite significant structural upgrades aimed at expanding the stadium’s upper tier, the identity of the player to fill the iconic jersey remains unresolved as the season progresses.
Barcelona’s efforts to secure Julián Alvarez, a highly sought-after forward, have stalled largely due to Atletico Madrid’s reluctance to sell a key player to a direct domestic rival. In the meantime, Arsenal’s Gabriel Jesus is reportedly close to joining the club, potentially addressing the gap as Barcelona aims to defend its La Liga title for a third consecutive year and strengthen its bid as a serious contender in the Champions League.
The club faces a pressing challenge following the departure of Robert Lewandowski, who left to continue his career with the Chicago Fire after scoring 120 goals in 193 appearances for Barcelona. Lewandowski’s exit left a considerable void in the striker role, compounded by the recent departure of Ferran Torres, who contributed 65 goals in his tenure and scored the winning goal in the World Cup final. Additionally, Marcus Rashford’s return to Manchester United after a loan spell deprived the team of another key goal scorer. Collectively, these players accounted for over 50 goals in the previous season, a significant scoring output no longer available to coach Hansi Flick.
With no clear successor to wear the No. 9 shirt, Flick has been experimenting with a series of players in a “false nine” setup as his squad returns from extended World Cup breaks. Ten of Barcelona’s key players had been engaged until late in the tournament, which has intensified the urgency to fill the central attacking role effectively.
Among the recent acquisitions is Anthony Gordon, signed from Newcastle United for a fee that could rise to €80 million, representing Barcelona’s most expensive signing since Antoine Griezmann seven years ago. Gordon’s arrival follows a period marked by financial constraints that saw the club rely on makeshift solutions in the striker position, including previous and less conventional No. 9s such as Martin Braithwaite and Memphis Depay.
Gordon’s early performances have drawn positive attention. He missed a penalty during his home debut in a friendly against Al-Ahly but quickly earned acclaim with two assists in a 5-0 league win over Elche. In addition, his dynamic display in a 2-0 victory against Athletic Bilbao prompted enthusiastic standing ovations from the 62,000-strong crowd at the Nou Camp. Operating primarily from the left wing and wearing the No. 17 jersey, Gordon has impressed with his pace, creativity, and determination on the field.
Media comparisons have likened Gordon’s promising start to that of Henrik Larsson, a Swedish forward who joined Barcelona from Celtic in 2004 and played a pivotal role in the club’s subsequent European success. Observers have praised his stamina and dynamism, with one outlet describing him as a “hyperactive, Tasmanian Devil.” Flick echoed these sentiments, highlighting Gordon’s intensity and potential for further growth.
As Barcelona continues to shape its squad amid ongoing stadium renovations and transfer window developments, the search for a stable and effective No. 9 remains a priority in the club’s pursuit of domestic and European success.