Barcelona is considering playing a Dutch team in the Joan Gamper Trophy while opting to skip their summer tour. This decision comes as the club prepares for the upcoming season after nearing the La Liga title.
Key points
Barcelona is nearing the La Liga title.
The club is preparing for the new season.
Joan Gamper Trophy is a traditional pre-season friendly.
BarcelonaJoan Gamper TrophyLa Liga
Barcelona prefer to play Dutch giants in Joan Gamper Trophy as club look to skip summer tour
Barcelona prefer to play Dutch giants in Joan Gamper Trophy as club look to skip summer tour
As we approach the business end of the current campaign, with Barcelona on the verge of clinching the La Liga title, preparations for the new season are already underway behind the scenes.
One of the traditional markers of Barcelona’s pre-season is the Joan Gamper Trophy, the annual friendly hosted at the Camp Nou that has served as a curtain-raiser for the new campaign for decades.
The fixture gives Hansi Flick’s side a chance to fine-tune their preparations in front of their home fans before the competitive season begins.
Ajax the preferred opponent
According to Catalunya Radio (h/t FCB World), Barcelona’s strong preference for this summer’s Gamper Trophy is Ajax Amsterdam.
The match is expected to take place between August 12 and 15, with the La Liga season scheduled to begin on August 15.
Two other options are also on the table. RB Leipzig have been considered, as has Al-Ahly, though there is some ambiguity surrounding which Al-Ahly is being referenced, with both the Egyptian club and the Saudi club sharing the same name.
Barcelona want to lock horns against Ajax in the Joan Gamper trophy. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)
For now, Ajax remains the option Barcelona are pushing for, and a final decision is expected in the coming weeks as logistical planning for the new season continues to take shape.
Q&A
Why is Barcelona skipping their summer tour?
Barcelona is looking to prioritize their preparations for the new season, which includes hosting the Joan Gamper Trophy.
Who are the potential Dutch giants Barcelona might play in the Joan Gamper Trophy?
The article does not specify which Dutch giants Barcelona prefers to play against in the Joan Gamper Trophy.
What is the Joan Gamper Trophy and its significance for Barcelona?
The Joan Gamper Trophy is an annual friendly match at Camp Nou that traditionally marks the start of Barcelona's pre-season preparations.
Related Articles
Sports
Sophie Cunningham leaves door open for emotional Phoenix Mercury reunion after Indiana comments
Sophie Cunningham expresses a desire for a long-term commitment from the Indiana Fever while acknowledging her emotional ties to the Phoenix Mercury. Her recent comments have sparked discussions about her future in the WNBA.
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
Sports
Mercury claim Anneli Maley off waivers ahead of season opener
Phoenix Mercury claim Anneli Maley off waivers from New York Liberty
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
MLB·Recap
Travis Bazzana hits his first major league homer in the Guardians' 6-4 win over the Twins
Travis Bazzana hits his first major league homer in Guardians' win over Twins
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
MLB·Recap
Max Fried struggles, Yankees' offense silenced in 6-0 series-opening loss to Brewers
Yankees shut out 6-0 by Brewers in series opener; Fried struggles
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
NHL·Recap
Hockey roundup: Sandin-Pellikka scores highlight-reel goal; MSU adds assistant coach
Hockey roundup: Sandin-Pellikka scores highlight-reel goal; MSU adds assistant coach
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
Sports·Feature
Hailey Van Lith’s pregame outfit for first Sun game is a must-see
Check out Hailey Van Lith's must-see pregame outfit for her debut with the Connecticut Sun!
See every story in Sports — including breaking news and analysis.
The Gamper Trophy will serve as the culmination of a busy pre-season schedule. The report adds that Barcelona will not embark on a summer tour this year. Instead, the club are planning a training camp in Birmingham, England, from July 27 to August 4.
During the camp, Barcelona are expected to play one or two friendlies, with at least one against an English club, which may require travel within England during that period.
Upon returning from Birmingham on August 4, the club are planning two further friendlies.