Barca Set For An African Visit?

FC Barcelona are reportedly set to visit Tangier, Morocco for a pre-season friendly on August 15, with the club expected to earn $4.5 million from the fixture.

Spanish giants FC Barcelona are reportedly set to visit Africa for a pre-season encounter next month, with the Catalan club finalising arrangements for a friendly in North Africa.

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According to Africa Soccer, the fixture set to take place in Tangier, Morocco has already been confirmed behind the scenes, with an official announcement expected later this week.

The match is slated for August 15, though the opponent and venue arrangements are still to be revealed.

A Familiar Destination

Barcelona’s return to Tangier will revive memories of their previous visits to Morocco.

The club first travelled to Tangier in 2012 for a pre-season friendly against Raja Casablanca, producing a dominant display in an 8-0 victory.

Lionel Messi stole the show on the night with a hat-trick, in what remains one of Barcelona’s most memorable appearances in the country.

Six years later, Barcelona returned to the city to face Sevilla in the Spanish Super Cup, lifting the trophy after a 2-1 victory.

Flick Requests Extra Fixture

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick reportedly requested an additional preparation match between the club’s pre-season tournament in Udine on August 8 and the Joan Gamper Trophy against Egyptian side Al Ahly on August 19.

The Tangier friendly fills that gap, giving the German tactician an extra opportunity to assess his squad ahead of the new campaign. The match is expected to take place at the Grand Stade de Tanger, though Barcelona have so far confirmed only the city and date.

The identity of the Moroccan opponent remains under discussion.

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A Lucrative African Excursion

Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo, per Morocco World News, reports that Barcelona are expected to receive approximately $4.5 million (around R74 million) for taking part in the match. The payment would provide additional revenue during the summer transfer window as the club continues to work within LaLiga’s financial regulations.

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