Meknes – Barcelona are reportedly reviewing a proposal to play a friendly match in Morocco this summer. According to Mundo Deportivo, this is an option that would mark the team’s first return to the country since 2018.
The board is also considering a separate offer to play a game in Nairobi, Kenya. Both matches are being discussed as the club finalizes its schedule for the upcoming pre-season.
Opponents and planning
Although the opponents are not yet confirmed, Barcelona could face Liverpool in Kenya, while a local Moroccan club is the most likely candidate for the match in Morocco.
This proposal came in Barcelona’s board meeting today chaired by Vice President Rafa Yuste. Reports suggest the board planned the team’s summer schedule, deciding there will be no major international tour this year.
With the World Cup set to end on July 19, many top players will need time to rest. This means the club cannot promise that all their stars would be available for a long trip during the summer.
Instead, the team plans to hold a training camp in England at St. George’s Park. This facility is owned by the English Football Association and is located near Birmingham.
According to the Mundo Deportivo report, the camp should start at the end of July, with players expecting to stay and train there for about two weeks.
The Catalan club’s last trip to Morocco was in 2018, when they defeated Sevilla 2-1 to clinch the Spanish Super Cup in the Ibn Batouta Stadium in Tangier. This match also marked the first time Lionel Messi lifted a trophy as the club’s captain.
The Joan Gamper Trophy
The Club officials further discussed the Joan Gamper Trophy, which is an annual friendly match they host every August to honor the club’s founder. While no opponent is confirmed yet, the Dutch club Ajax is said to be the top candidate for the game.
Ajax is currently waiting to finalize their summer plans, as they need to see their final league standing to know whether they must play in European qualifying matches late in summer.
Currently managed by former Barcelona player Óscar García, the team sits fourth in the Dutch league as they push for a qualifying spot in the Champions League.
