Xavi plans on taking six Barcelona youth stars on the US pre-season tour – report

Barcelona will be flying off to the United States of America tomorrow for their pre-season tour. The La Liga champions will face off against four top teams in Juventus, Arsenal, Real Madrid, and AC Milan as preparations for the 2023/24 season.

It will be a good test for Xavi Hernandez & co. as the manager will get a chance to take a closer look at his new signings in match situations as well as try out some of the talented youngsters on the big stage.

As such, SPORT is reporting that Xavi is planning on taking as many as six Barcelona youth players on the pre-season tour of the USA.

Last summer, Marc Casado had made it to the pre-season squad for the trip and the young defensive midfielder will once again be on the flight to the North American nation.

Along with the 19-year-old, Xavi also plans on taking along another talented young midfielder in Aleix Garcia, who made his first-team debut for the Catalans towards the end of the last season.

16-year-old wonderkid Lamine Yamal, who is set to sign a new contract imminently, will also be on the plane to the US tomorrow.

With Arnau Tenas’ contract expiring, the 22-year-old is not part of the pre-season as the club continue to negotiate a new deal. As such, Ander Astralaga is set to fly with the senior team as the third goalkeeper.

19-year-old left-back Alex Valle is also expected to be on Xavi’s list along with new signing Mikayil Faye, who is said to be making a big impression on Xavi.

Last year’s pre-season turned out to be a major turning point for Alejandro Balde as his career at Barcelona took off after he impressed in the US. And the six youth players set to travel with the seniors will be hoping that they have a similar breakthrough over the next few weeks.