Maldini shocks Barcelona: don't buy Julian, the lethal solution is available for free
Barça's alternative plan
With the Julián Álvarez deal looking impossible, renowned expert Julio Maldonado "Maldini" has revealed a magic solution already inside Barcelona, one that could spare the club a trip into the madness of the strikers' market.
Barcelona are hunting an out-and-out striker, and Julián Álvarez sits at the top of their list. Atlético Madrid, however, flatly refuse to negotiate with their Catalan rivals. That stance has strained relations between club and player and driven the deal into a dead end.
Sources close to the situation confirm the Blaugrana have no clear alternative in the market. Names like Lautaro Martínez and even Germany's Nicolò Tresoldi have been floated, yet there remains great confidence in the current squad, now bolstered by the signings of Rashford and Gordon.
Raphinha: the new number 9?
The big surprise came from Movistar+ commentator and "El Partidazo de la COPE" presenter Maldini, who insists Barcelona need not sign any striker if the Julián deal collapses.
Speaking in his analysis for the Spanish newspaper "Sport", Maldini said: "I think Raphinha would be the number 9 if Barcelona do not sign another player. Barcelona cannot sign Kane or Julián, but Raphinha has a ferocity that qualifies him to be the first defender to press the opponent, and he offers constant movement off the ball."
Economic and sporting difficulties, Maldini argues, make it hard to land a striker capable of making an immediate difference. The Brazilian, meanwhile, stands out as an internal solution already tested during pre-season. He can adapt to Hansi Flick's ideas too, thanks to his ability to press high, move constantly behind defenders and help build play.
On the other options, Maldini reckons Germany's Nicolò Tresoldi (22) offers something different in the mould of Luuk de Jong. "He is a top-class striker," he said. "I would sign an out-and-out striker for specific minutes, capable of scoring goals from crosses."
