Elche, Spain, 24 August (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Raphinha has played down concerns over Barcelona’s continuing search for a Barça No. 9, insisting the current squad has the versatility to cover different attacking roles after he scored twice in the club’s 5-0 La Liga victory away to Elche.
The Brazilian started through the middle for Hansi Flick’s side at the Martínez Valero and delivered an immediate answer to questions over whether Barcelona can operate effectively without a conventional centre-forward.
Raphinha’s display came as the Catalan club continue to consider their attacking options following the departures of Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres. Barcelona have been assessing the possibility of adding another striker before the transfer window closes.
Raphinha delivers as Barcelona’s central striker
Raphinha scored twice against Elche, while Fermín López also struck twice and summer arrival Karim Adeyemi added another as Barcelona began their league campaign with a comfortable away victory.
His performance was particularly significant because Flick used him as the central attacking reference rather than in his more familiar wide role.
Cadena SER reported before the match that Flick viewed the Brazil international as his preferred temporary option through the middle while Barcelona considered whether to recruit another striker. His pressing, movement and ability to finish with either foot were cited as qualities suited to the role.
Raphinha responds to Barça No. 9 debate
Asked after the match about Barcelona’s attacking options and the possibility of another signing, Raphinha made clear that recruitment decisions belonged to the club’s hierarchy.
Speaking to Movistar+, he said decisions over reinforcements were for president Joan Laporta, sporting director Deco and Flick, while stressing that the players would follow the coach’s instructions.
Raphinha added that the squad had enough versatility to operate “playing as a 9, striker, winger” before giving a particularly simple answer when asked about his own suitability as a centre-forward: “I’m comfortable on the pitch.”
His comments stop short of arguing that Barcelona should abandon their pursuit of another striker. Instead, they underline his willingness to fill whatever attacking position Flick requires.
Barcelona still assessing striker options
The centre-forward position has become one of Barcelona’s main questions following Lewandowski’s departure.
Reports in Spain have linked the club with Atlético Madrid forward Julián Álvarez, although a deal has proved difficult. Mundo Deportivo reported in July that Barcelona retained an interest in the Argentina international but were unwilling to pursue a transfer at any cost.
The club therefore has reason to value Raphinha’s flexibility. Barcelona’s current attacking group also gives Flick several ways to reorganise his forward line rather than depending entirely on a traditional striker.
Why Raphinha’s performance matters
The 5-0 result gives Flick evidence that his side can produce goals even while the Barça No. 9 question remains unresolved.
Raphinha offers a different profile from a conventional centre-forward. His movement can create space for teammates, while his pressing from the front fits the intensity Flick expects from his side.
One strong league performance will not settle Barcelona’s longer-term recruitment plans, but the Brazilian has demonstrated that the coach has an experienced alternative available.
What happens next?
Barcelona’s sporting department can continue assessing the striker market before the summer transfer window closes.
There has been no indication from Raphinha that he opposes the arrival of another forward. His message instead centred on the existing squad’s adaptability and his readiness to play wherever Flick needs him.
For now, Barcelona have an internal solution while their search continues — and Raphinha has strengthened his case to remain part of that solution.
