Barcelona are chasing a historic La Liga three-peat, but replacing Robert Lewandowski could be the test that defines their 2026/27 season.
Barcelona begin the 2026/27 season as favourites to retain their La Liga crown. Hansi Flick’s side have the structure, attacking quality and confidence to win a third consecutive title, but the departure of Robert Lewandowski and the uncertainty surrounding their striker position could make the campaign more complicated than expected.
Domestic dominance continues
Barcelona enjoyed another successful La Liga campaign in 2025/26. They secured their 29th league title and finished the season as the strongest side in Spain, with their superiority confirmed by important victories over Real Madrid.
The Catalan giants also benefited from their excellent home record, turning the renovated Camp Nou into a difficult venue for every visiting team. The campaign was built on attacking quality and a clear tactical identity.
Barcelona pressed high, defended on the front foot and moved the ball quickly through midfield. Lamine Yamal continued his extraordinary rise, while the performances of Joan Garcia and several younger players gave the team a strong foundation for the future.
Garcia kept 15 clean sheets in La Liga and conceded only 21 goals in 30 appearances, winning the Zamora Trophy in his first season at the club. However, the season was not perfect. Barcelona’s domestic success was weakened by their disappointing exits in other competitions, particularly the Champions League.
Their aggressive defensive line and constant pressing could be exposed when opponents played through the first wave of pressure. For now, though, the focus is on La Liga, where Flick’s team remain the side to beat.
Flick’s winning formula
Flick has already established himself as one of Barcelona’s most successful recent managers. He has won 88 of his first 116 matches, giving him a 75.9 per cent win rate, the second-best figure in the club’s history. He has also guided Barcelona to two league titles in his first two seasons.
His football is based on intensity. Barcelona want to dominate possession, but they are not interested in slow, harmless passing. The aim is to move the ball with purpose, win it back quickly and attack before the opposition can regain its shape.
That approach has brought spectacular results, but it also demands a great deal from the players. The forwards must lead the press, the defenders must hold a very high line and the midfielders must cover large spaces. Flick will need to manage the squad carefully, especially with Barcelona expected to compete on several fronts.
The German tactician has shown that he is willing to adapt players to new positions. Eric García has operated in midfield and at full-back, while Gerard Martin developed into a useful centre-back last season. That flexibility could prove important again, particularly because the squad still has an obvious weakness at centre-forward.
Important changes to the squad
Barcelona have added pace and energy in attack. Anthony Gordon arrives as a left-winger who can also play through the middle, while Karim Adeyemi offers speed and movement across the front line. Both signings suit Flick’s pressing game and give the manager more options if Lamine Yamal or Raphinha are unavailable.
Rodri has also completed his move. His arrival could change Barcelona’s midfield completely. The Spaniard is an outstanding passer, a strong defensive presence and one of the best players in the world at controlling the rhythm of a match.
Barcelona have often had technical midfielders, but Rodri would give them greater authority in possession and more protection in front of the defence. Joao Cancelo, who spent last season on loan at the club, is set to join permanently on a free transfer. His attacking instincts and ability to operate on either flank will offer Flick another experienced full-back.
The departures are more difficult to ignore. Lewandowski leaves after another productive spell, while Ferran Torres has also moved on. Ronald Araujo has been loaned out, and Marcus Rashford has returned to Manchester United after his temporary spell in Catalonia ended. The squad has gained speed, but it has lost proven goals in the penalty area.
The unresolved number nine issue
Barcelona’s failure to sign Julian Alvarez remains the biggest concern. The club wants the Atletico Madrid striker to replace Lewandowski, but the deal has not materialised so far. As a result, Flick begins the season without a traditional, established number nine.
Gordon is the most obvious alternative. His movement could allow him to attack spaces behind defenders, with Yamal and Raphinha cutting inside from the wings. This would make Barcelona quicker and more unpredictable, although it could leave them without a strong aerial presence.
Another option is to use Dani Olmo as a false nine. Olmo can drop into midfield, combine with Pedri and create space for the wide players to attack. Raphinha could also play centrally, using his pressing and intelligent movement to pull defenders away from their positions. These systems may work particularly well against teams that defend deep, but they will demand excellent timing from the forwards.
The risk is clear. Gordon and Adeyemi are talented players, but neither has consistently produced the kind of numbers Lewandowski delivered last season. Barcelona scored 144 goals in all competitions in 2025/26. Replacing the departed forwards will certainly require a collective effort.
Players to watch
Yamal is the obvious main man. The teenager recorded 42 goal involvements last season and has already shown that he can decide major matches. His ability to create chances from nothing makes him Barcelona’s most dangerous attacking player.
Rodri could become equally important in midfield. His signing would help Barcelona control matches rather than simply play at high speed. He could also reduce the defensive burden on Frenkie de Jong, Pedri and the younger midfielders.
At the other end, Joan Garcia will be expected to build on an exceptional debut season. His saves helped Barcelona survive difficult moments, and another consistent campaign would give Flick the security needed to play with such a high defensive line.
Prediction
Barcelona have a strong chance of winning La Liga for a third season in a row. Flick has created a powerful identity, Yamal is developing into a world-class match-winner, and Rodri should give the midfield a level of control it previously lacked.
The striker situation prevents this from being a perfect transfer window, but Barcelona still possess enough quality to remain ahead of Real Madrid. If Flick finds the right solution in attack and keeps his key players fit, the Blaugrana should retain their crown.