Hansi Flick Plans Strategic Role Shift for Barcelona Star as Nico Williams Transfer Looms

Hansi Flick is reportedly planning to convert Dani Olmo into a striker for the upcoming season as he anticipates the arrival of Nico Williams to Barcelona's attacking lineup.

Although Barcelona still faces challenges in their €62 million ($72.7 million) bid for Williams, it's anticipated that the Spanish winger will become Flick's primary left-wing option next season, creating an exciting attacking partnership with his close companion Lamine Yamal on the right flank.

With Williams occupying the left wing, Flick is likely to shift Raphinha to a more suitable central role positioned behind the main striker. The Brazilian operated on the left wing during the previous campaign but adopted a more versatile approach, ultimately contributing 34 goals and 25 assists throughout all competitions.

This strategic adjustment would consequently eliminate room for Olmo, who primarily functioned as a central attacking midfielder last season. Based on reports from SPORT, Flick intends to utilize the Spanish player as an alternative option for striker Robert Lewandowski in the coming season.

Olmo possesses minimal experience in this position but is anticipated to adapt to a false nine role next season as Flick seeks methods to integrate all components of his costly attacking setup.

Beyond tactical preparations, Olmo will also undergo a customized fitness program designed to help him address the injury concerns that troubled his initial season returning to Catalonia. Pedri underwent a comparable regimen throughout the 2024–25 campaign with nearly flawless outcomes.

Although Olmo might seem to be competing for his position at Barcelona on the surface, the actual situation is quite different. It's emphasized that Flick, the management hierarchy, and Olmo himself were all pleased with the 27-year-old's performances during his first campaign and remain optimistic about his potential for improvement in 2025–26 with some modifications.

Olmo concluded his inaugural season with Barcelona's senior squad recording 12 goals and seven assists across all competitions, though these numbers were affected by a combined 15 matches missed due to injury setbacks.