{
  "id": 6134652,
  "title": "No Julian, no problem – Barcelona thriving despite missing out on priority target",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/07/no-julian-no-problem-barcelona-thriving-despite-missing-out-on",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-07T12:45:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/no-julian-no-problem-barcelona-124500322.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In the wake of losing key players Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres, Barcelona was facing panic about their forward situation. However, the news that undrafted Atletico Madrid star Julian Alvarez did not complete a summer transfer did not appear to be a major issue for the team. Barcelona ultimately signed Gabriel Jesus as a low-cost alternative, but recent performances suggest that Alvarez's absence may not have been as detrimental as initially feared. With Raphinha excelling as a deeper-lying striker and Lamine Yamal and Fermin Lopez scoring prolifically, Barcelona is thriving despite the missing priority target. The team's fluid and dynamic setup under Hansi Flick's guidance has allowed them to remain successful even without a traditional number nine. While Alvarez would undoubtedly be an upgrade to the squad, there is no need for Barcelona to panic or overpay for the player. In fact, the decision not to pursue Alvarez in the winter transfer window may have turned out to be a wise one. As a backup option, Gabriel Jesus could prove valuable if he can maintain his fitness and adapt to Flick's system. Raphinha remains the team's primary choice for the number nine position, but Jesus offers depth and quality to the squad.",
  "summary": "The mood in Barcelona was naturally one of panic around the centre-forward situation after the departures of Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres, for both players were the team’s primary goal score...",
  "key_points": [
    "Barcelona remains successful without priority target Julian Alvarez",
    "Gabriel Jesus serves as low-cost alternative forward",
    "Flick's fluid setup enables team's continued success"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}