FC Barcelona News: July 18, 2025 — Gamper Trophy Moved to Montjuïc, Ter Stegen Weighs Back Surgery Option… read more…
In a week that was supposed to be about celebration and pre-season buildup, FC Barcelona has made headlines for two major developments that could significantly shape their start to the 2025-26 campaign. The club announced on Friday that the Joan Gamper Trophy—an annual curtain-raiser held in honor of Barça’s founder—will be moved to a new venue this summer. Meanwhile, concern is rising in the medical room as veteran goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen is reportedly considering back surgery, which could sideline him for the start of the season.
Gamper Trophy Heads to Montjuïc Again
Barcelona officially confirmed that the 2025 edition of the Joan Gamper Trophy will be held at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys in Montjuïc. This marks the second time in three years that the venue will host the club’s traditional pre-season showcase, as renovation work at the Spotify Camp Nou continues under the massive Espai Barça redevelopment project.
A club statement released early Friday morning read:
> “Due to the ongoing progress in the remodeling of Spotify Camp Nou, FC Barcelona will host the 2025 Joan Gamper Trophy at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys. We thank the city of Barcelona and local authorities for their cooperation.”
The match will be held on August 10, with Italian giants SSC Napoli expected to be the opponent, though this has not yet been confirmed officially. Sources suggest that Napoli’s return to the Gamper stage—after last appearing in 2011—would be a nod to their strong following in Spain and their exciting attacking football under new manager Francesco Farioli.
Fans Split Over Venue Shift
While many fans understand the necessity of the venue change due to construction delays, others have voiced frustration on social media about the atmosphere at Montjuïc. Compared to the iconic Camp Nou, which holds nearly 100,000 fans, the Estadi Olímpic seats around 55,000 and is perceived as lacking in history and intimacy.
Barça supporter groups such as “Penya Blaugrana del Raval” have called on the club to enhance fan engagement at Montjuïc through temporary fan zones, additional shuttles, and gameday experiences to help replicate the Camp Nou spirit.
“It’s not just about where we play—it’s how we play and how we feel as a community,” one fan posted on X (formerly Twitter). “The Gamper Trophy is a celebration of Barça identity. Let’s not lose that.”
Ter Stegen’s Back Problem Raises Alarm
The feel-good tone of the pre-season has also been disrupted by concerning news regarding Marc-André ter Stegen. The German goalkeeper, who missed a large part of the 2023-24 campaign with back issues, has reportedly suffered a recurrence of pain during the team’s summer preparations in the Pyrenees.
According to Catalan outlet Sport, the club’s medical team has recommended that Ter Stegen undergoes a minor surgical procedure to address a persistent lumbar disc issue. Although conservative treatment was initially preferred, the lack of progress over the last few weeks has tilted the balance toward surgical intervention.
A final decision is expected early next week. If surgery is chosen, Ter Stegen could be ruled out for six to eight weeks, potentially missing the start of La Liga and the first round of the UEFA Champions League group stage.
Peña or Strakosha Could Fill the Void
In anticipation of Ter Stegen’s possible absence, Barça has two main options: trust backup Iñaki Peña, who had a mixed bag of performances last season, or accelerate talks with Albanian international Thomas Strakosha, currently a free agent after his contract with Brentford expired in June.
Manager Hansi Flick, who coached Ter Stegen briefly during his stint with the German national team, is said to be personally involved in the discussions. Flick has stressed the importance of starting the campaign with clarity between the posts.
“Marc is a pillar in our structure, both in quality and leadership,” Flick reportedly told club directors during a closed-door meeting this week. “If he needs time to heal properly, we support that fully. But we must be ready.”
Flick’s Pre-Season Taking Shape
Despite the clouds of uncertainty, Flick’s first full pre-season as Barcelona manager is gaining momentum. The team will travel to the United States for a tour that includes friendlies against Inter Miami, Manchester United, and Club América before returning to Spain for the Gamper.
Flick has been focusing on defensive organization, pressing triggers, and vertical passing in training. The German tactician is also working closely with teenage sensations Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsí, who are expected to take on bigger roles this season.
Veteran striker Robert Lewandowski, whose form dipped during the latter half of last season, appears rejuvenated. He scored twice in a behind-closed-doors scrimmage on Wednesday and will likely lead the line during the U.S. tour.
What This Means for Barça
The temporary shift away from the Camp Nou and potential loss of Ter Stegen may appear as setbacks, but Barcelona remains focused on long-term gains. The Gamper move ensures safety and progress in construction, while the medical decision on Ter Stegen is being treated with utmost care to preserve his career longevity.
More updates are expected after the team returns from the Pyrenees and ahead of their departure to the United States.
As Barça prepares for a pivotal 2025-26 season—one in which they aim to return to European prominence under new leadership—the club knows that adaptability, unity, and strategic foresight will be essential.
Up Next: Barcelona departs for the U.S. pre-season tour on July 21. The first friendly is scheduled for July 25 against Inter Miami in Miami Gardens. The Joan Gamper Trophy follows on August 10 at Montjuïc. Fans will be eager to see if th
e new season starts with clarity—or more complications.
