Barcelona's Summer Tour Friendlies Have Been Finalized
FC Barcelona is set to venture into new territories for their preseason summer tour, swapping American shores for Asian greenery. The Catalan giants have confirmed two friendlies in South Korea, with potential opponents including FC Seoul, Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, or Suwon Samsung Bluewings. These matches are expected to take place in early August, providing a much-needed economic boost and a chance to face sturdy European rivals.
Barca's presence in Asia isn't a novelty. Two summers ago, they embarked on a similar journey, meeting heavyweights like Real Madrid and Manchester City. These tours have also been instrumental in unearthing hidden talents, such as Marc Casado and Marc Bernal. While the former solidified his spot alongside Pedri in the double pivot, Bernal's career was cut short due to a season-ending ACL tear.
Before their sojourn to Asia, Barcelona will face Real Madrid in La Liga, aiming for a victory that could propel them to the top of the Spanish league. Post-Asia, they will return to host the Joan Gamper Trophy, where the new season squad is traditionally introduced to the faithful fans. Barcelona lost the Joan Gamper to AS Monaco in 2024, but bounced back under Hansi Flick, only to stumble back later.
The details of the Asian tour have been revealed through promoter D-Drive and a local agency, Yonhap. While the exact opponents and dates are yet to be decided, it's known that Barcelona will visit Japan after South Korea. They previously played a friendly against Andres Iniesta's former club, Vissel Kobe, in June 2023. This tour aims to boost the club's profile in soccer-mad South Korea while exposing it to potential star players like Lamine Yamal.
The tour is part of an agreement signed by Barcelona president Joan Laporta in November 2022. Despite the uncertainties, one thing is certain—FC Barcelona is set to embark on an Asian adventure, matching their storied past with the promise of an exciting future.
- Marc Casado, who was unearthed during Barca's previous Asian tour, has established a strong presence in the team, often partnering with Pedri in the double pivot.
- Hansi Flick, the coach who helped Barcelona bounce back after losing the Joan Gamper Trophy to AS Monaco in 2024, will likely oversee some of the team's preparations in Asia.
- Manchester City, one of the European rivals Barca faced during their previous Asian tour, could potentially be among the opponents in the upcoming friendlies in South Korea.
- In addition to South Korea, Barcelona will also visit Japan as part of their Asian preseason tour, having previously played a friendly against Andres Iniesta's former club, Vissel Kobe.
- Andreas Iniesta, a former Barcelona legend, currently plays for Vissel Kobe in Japan, a club that Barca could potentially face in their Asian tour matches.
- Real Madrid, Barca's fierce La Liga rivals, will be one of the teams Barcelona faces before their Asian tour, offering an opportunity to secure a crucial victory before departing for Asia.
- Frenkie de Jong, a key player in Barca's midfield, is expected to play a significant role in the team's preseason preparations, including the friendlies in South Korea and the matches in Japan.
