Club legend set for Barcelona face-off as Blaugrana plan end-of-the-season friendly to raise funds: Reports
Barcelona are gearing up for an end-of-season friendly with none other than Andres Iniesta's Vissel Kobe. The Asian outfit is currently the leading club in Japan's J-League. According to El Nacional, Barca's grand plan is to play them right after their last league game.
The Spanish giants play Celta Vigo on June 4 as their last game of the season. In what is believed to be a calculated financial move, their match against Vissel Kobe is slated for June 6. It is set to take place at the Japan National Stadium, but there is no fixed time yet.
The heart of the matter is Barcelona's financial predicament. It's no secret that the Catalan giants are in dire straits. Drawing from their successful formula last year — a trip to Sydney that culminated in a financially lucrative return — they're repeating the strategy. But this time, the setting will shift from the Australian coastline to the bustling metropolis of Tokyo.
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The clash isn't just about money, however, as it is loaded with some sentiment and nostalgia, since the Catalan giants will be facing their legend Andres Iniesta's team. It promises to be an emotionally charged spectacle, with Iniesta donning the Vissel Kobe jersey for the second time against his former club.
The reunion is also expected to draw the Japanese crowd in droves, filling up the 80,000 seats of the national stadium.
For Barcelona's board, however, there is more at stake than nostalgia. The club hopes to pocket millions of euros and funnel them into their emptying coffers. According to El Nacional, it's yet unclear how much revenue this game will generate.
However, the report is clear about this: Barcelona view this friendly as a lifeline. Their trip to Japan is expected to end with a potential win and a robust economic boost.
Barcelona's roadmap to reclaim Lionel Messi approved by La Liga - Report
Barca's plan to bring back, arguably, the greatest player in their history has just taken a significant leap forward, with the approval from La Liga president Javier Tebas.
The viability plan, as reported by Onze (via Football Espana), has received the green light. This sets in motion a complex scheme that demands at least €100m in player sales to facilitate Messi's return.
Yet, the tantalizing prospect of the Argentine maestro's return, a scenario that was once considered a far-fetched dream, has suddenly become a tangible possibility. A successfully executed deal would undoubtedly send seismic ripples through the club.
The challenge, however, is as colossal as the player they're attempting to reclaim. To raise the requisite €100m, Barca may have to make difficult decisions, potentially offloading valuable assets like Ansu Fati and Raphinha.