Al Ahly SC could face FC Barcelona in a high-profile pre-season fixture as part of preparations for the new campaign.
The Egyptian side are being considered as potential opponents for the annual Joan Gamper Trophy, a traditional curtain-raiser hosted by Barcelona in honour of the club’s founder, Joan Gamper.
Barcelona’s board has recently met to outline plans for the club’s pre-season schedule, including training camps and friendly matches.
At present, AFC Ajax are understood to be the preferred opponents for the Gamper Trophy. However, if talks with the Dutch side do not progress, Al Ahly have emerged as a strong alternative, alongside RB Leipzig.
For Al Ahly, widely regarded as Africa’s most successful club, a meeting with Barcelona would provide a major opportunity to test themselves against elite European opposition and further enhance their global profile.
Barcelona’s broader pre-season plans are still being finalised, with differing views within the club over how preparations should be structured.
Head coach Hansi Flick is reportedly in favour of keeping the team based in Spain to limit travel and maintain optimal physical conditioning for players.
However, the club’s leadership is said to be pushing for international tours aimed at expanding Barcelona’s global reach and commercial presence.
A compromise is expected, with Barcelona likely to embark on a 15-day training camp in England. During that period, the Spanish club are scheduled to play a friendly match in Birmingham on 30 July, with the possibility of an additional fixture.
Further international travel is also under consideration. Barcelona could travel to Nairobi for a high-profile match against Liverpool FC on 8 August.
Alternatively, the club may opt for a trip to Morocco, where they could face a Jordanian side on 5 August.
While no final decision has been made regarding the Gamper Trophy opponent, the prospect of Al Ahly facing Barcelona has already generated significant interest.
Should the fixture materialise, it would represent a notable occasion, bringing together two of the most successful clubs from different continents in a match expected to attract global attention.
