Barcelona Kick Off Title Defence Without Rodri
Hansi Flick will have to start his Barcelona reign without his marquee midfield signing. Rodri, the World Cup-winning lynchpin brought in to anchor the champions’ new-look engine room, will sit out Sunday’s La Liga opener away to Elche.
The former Manchester City midfielder is expected to join full training on Monday and could make his debut in the second league game, at home to Athletic Bilbao on Thursday.
“He’s very concentrated, focused, our plan is that he will arrive on Monday with the team,” Flick told reporters on Saturday. “This is the plan. He’s a fantastic player, a leader, and his personality is very great.”
Barcelona paid a fee that could rise to 76.5 million euros ($89 million) to land Rodri, a statement move to reinforce the core of a side aiming to retain the title under a new coach.
Striker search continues after big departures
While midfield looks reinforced, the attack tells a different story.
With Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres gone, Barcelona are still combing the market for a striker. There is a vacancy at the tip of Flick’s system, and no clear, established heir.
The German coach refused to reveal who will start up front at Elche, but one name is forcing its way into the conversation: Hamza Abdelkarim.
The 18-year-old Egyptian has lit up pre-season with four goals in friendlies, and Flick made a point of highlighting his impact.
“Hamza is having a really great pre-season,” said Flick. “He’s a number nine, he’s young, and he has a lot of potential, and also he scored goals. This is the important thing when you’re playing in this position, and he made a great job.”
Hamza is not the only option. New signings Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi, both natural wingers, can drift inside and operate as false nines. Raphinha and Dani Olmo offer the same tactical flexibility, giving Flick a rotating cast of mobile forwards rather than a classic target man.
Cancelo ready, Rodri to follow
One new arrival is available immediately. Joao Cancelo, signed this week to strengthen the flanks, has already convinced his new coach.
“He’s ready to play. He has unbelievable technique and a lot of passion,” Flick said of the full-back, who is in contention to feature at the Martinez Valero.
So Barcelona open their title defence with Rodri in the stands, the centre-forward role up for grabs, and a restless transfer market still moving around them. For Flick, the first whistle in Elche will not just start a new season; it will start the real-time audition for the next Barcelona No. 9.
