Bundesliga giants lead race to face Barcelona in next Joan Gamper Trophy | OneFootball

Barcelona are already planning ahead for next season, and one of the key dates on the calendar could feature a known opponent. 

According to a fresh report from SPORT, Bundesliga side RB Leipzig are currently leading the race to face Barça in the 61st edition of the Joan Gamper Trophy.

The traditional curtain-raiser, organised every summer by Barcelona, is more than just a friendly. 

It is a symbolic event for the club and often serves as the first major presentation of the squad ahead of the new campaign. 

This time, however, there are still logistical details to be resolved.

Venue yet to be decided

At this stage, it has not been fully confirmed whether the Gamper clash will take place at Spotify Camp Nou. 

This is because construction work at the stadium remains ongoing, and holding the match elsewhere would allow progress to continue without interruption. 

The Estadi Johan Cruyff has been considered as a backup option. However, all indications suggest that Barcelona’s preference is to bring the match back to their main stadium. 

RB Leipzig could face Barcelona in the summer. (Photo by Boris Streubel/Getty Images)

As such, the financial upside of hosting the game at Spotify Camp Nou is significantly higher, making it the most attractive scenario from a revenue perspective.

Another possibility that had previously been explored was staging the Gamper outside Spain. 

That idea was analysed last season but ultimately rejected. While it has not been completely ruled out, it is currently viewed as the least likely option.

Leipzig in contention

Barcelona’s plan A is for RB Leipzig to travel to Catalonia and play at Spotify Camp Nou.

Interestingly, this plan directly connects to the transfer of Dani Olmo. 

As per the outlet, when Barcelona negotiated his move from RB Leipzig, the agreement included a structured deal worth €55 million, plus an additional €7 million in performance-related bonuses. 

Crucially, the contract also contained a clause for the two clubs to play a friendly match before 2028.

Ultimately, hosting Leipzig at the Joan Gamper Trophy would allow Barcelona to honour that commitment.