Birmingham City to host Barcelona in pre-season friendly
Birmingham City are set to face European giants Barcelona in a pre-season friendly this summer, with the Championship side welcoming Hansi Flick’s men at St George’s Park, England’s national training centre, reports BritPanorama.
The Spanish side is expected to arrive on July 27 for a two-week stay, during which they plan to play two additional friendlies. However, the exact date for the contest against Birmingham has yet to be confirmed.
With many key players potentially on holiday following the World Cup, Barcelona’s squad could be limited for these fixtures. Nonetheless, the matches will serve as crucial preparation for the upcoming season.
Barcelona noted that due to the World Cup, it was not “technically and commercially feasible to organise a proper overseas tour.” The tournament is scheduled to take place from June 11 to July 19, held across the US, Mexico, and Canada.
Birmingham City finished the past season in 10th place in the Championship after earning promotion from League One, drawing their last match 1-1 against Portsmouth. They will host a likely La Liga champion this summer, as Barcelona only need a single point from their remaining four games to confirm the title.
The Catalan club boasts a strong season under Flick, losing just four league matches. Players such as Raphinha and Lamine Yamal have emerged as standout performers, transitioning from their usual Spanish turf to face English opposition.
This upcoming match serves as a reminder of football’s ability to unite differing leagues, much like Real Madrid’s visit to Bournemouth in 2013, where they showcased a star-studded team and won 6-0. For Birmingham fans, it will be a unique opportunity to witness top-tier football right on their doorstep.
