Barcelona may visit India during summer-break

It’s a news that all Indian footy fans would rejoice! Barcelona are planning a pre-season exhibition match in India as part of their intention of coming down to Asia this year. Rumors have been circulating around with Barca seemingly keen on expanding their brand in Asia. The Spanish champions clinched a business deal with China last year and have also planted the base for a Barcelona academy in India.

Those steps appear to be pioneering a move for Barcelona to head to India for an exhibition match later this year. According to the organizers, Barca’s interest appears to be legitimate and a visit to India appears to be very much on their cards.

“So far they had several offers but rejected many of them. But they are very keen to tour India this summer. We started negotiations six months back and we expect to get a final word with a week’s time. Since it is a such a big club they have to get approvals from several Boards. The chances are very good,” Lugo told TOI from Buenos Aires.

“The Indian market is really big and Barca looks at its immense potential. We know that cricket is big in India but once you get the football culture in there will be a huge interest,” Lugo added.

Argentina and Bayern Munich’s visit to the nation has opened up the path for other clubs to follow suit. Currently, there also two other clubs in the form of Paris Saint Germain and Juventus, who are interested in expanding their influence into the untapped market in India.