Barcelona have begun their 2026/27 pre-season preparations with a training camp in England, including a friendly match against Preston North End. The Championship side, who finished 14th last season with 60 points, will face the Spanish giants in Birmingham as part of their summer schedule.
What is Barcelona's pre-season schedule?
Barcelona's squad, led by manager Hansi Flick, has travelled to England with 30 players, including first-team regulars and young talents. The team will play two friendlies during their stay, facing Birmingham City and Preston North End. The match against Preston is a key part of their preparations for the new season.
Why is this friendly important for Preston?
For Preston, this match offers a rare opportunity to test themselves against top-tier opposition. After finishing 14th in the Championship last season, with 15 wins, 15 draws, and 16 losses, the team will look to use this game to build momentum ahead of their next fixture against Bolton on August 15.
Who are the key players to watch?
Barcelona's squad includes notable players like Frenkie de Jong, who is recovering from injury, and Marc-André ter Stegen, whose future has been a topic of speculation. New signing Karim Adeyemi will also be looking to make an impression during the pre-season campaign. For Preston, fans will be eager to see how their team performs against such high-caliber opponents.
What comes next for both teams?
After their friendly match, Barcelona will continue their pre-season preparations, while Preston will focus on their upcoming Championship season. The Championship side will aim to improve on their recent form, which saw them lose their last two matches, including a 1-3 defeat to Southampton on May 2, 2026.
