To comply with La Liga’s 1:1 rule by the start of the summer transfer window, Barcelona is actively seeking ways to increase its revenue. While significant progress hasn’t been made in recent months, the club is reportedly close to achieving this crucial financial benchmark, which would provide greater flexibility in player acquisitions this summer.
One of the potential avenues for fundraising involves the club’s pre-season schedule. Following their participation in Asia last summer, Barcelona has been presented with an opportunity to return to South Korea in 2026. According to reports, a single friendly match in the country has been offered for €9-10 million, a proposal currently under consideration by the club’s management.
Pre-season Plans Remain Undecided
Barcelona’s exact pre-season plans for the upcoming summer are yet to be finalized. A tour of the United States, a common pre-season destination for the club prior to 2025, is not feasible due to the 2026 World Cup being hosted there. This opens the door for a potential return to South Korea. However, any decision must take into account that many Barcelona players will be participating in the World Cup, potentially shortening the available time for preparation before the 2026-27 campaign begins in August.
Given these constraints, it’s possible that a full pre-season tour might not take place at all. In such a scenario, a single, distant friendly match might not be in the best interest of manager Hansi Flick and his squad. Nevertheless, history suggests that Barcelona has sometimes prioritized high-profile friendly matches over typical pre-season considerations.
