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5 hours ago
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A host of Hansi Flick's Barcelona stars will see their 2024/25 campaign extended on into the middle of June.
Flick's side have already secured a superb trophy treble this season after winning the La Liga title, Copa del Rey and Spanish Supercup ahead of their final game of 2024/25 on May 25 away at Athletic Club.
Barcelona are not involved in this summer's FIFA Club World Cup, but the incoming international window means more games will be added on to the packed schedule.
Spain, France, Germany and Portugal will battle it out in the UEFA Nations League final four series with 2026 World Cup qualifiers also on the agenda in Europe and South America.
One player who will be glad of the chance to pack in some much-needed match action is Barcelona captain Marc-Andre ter Stegen following his recent return from injury.
The 33-year-old suffered a serious knee tendon injury in September and only cam back into Flick's plans in April with Polish veteran Wojciech Szczesny promoted to the No.1 spot in his absence.
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However, his place as Germany's first-choice goal keeper has been reiterated, with Julian Nagelsmann calling him up for their Nations League semi final against Portugal - and potential final showdown with either France or Spain.
The international retirement of Bayern Munich veteran Manuel Neuer means Ter Stegen is now the undisputed pick for Nagelsmann as Germany look to build towards the World Cup in 2026.
Ter Stegen has completed 90 minutes in two of Barcelona's last four league games - and Flick could start him against Athletic Club - but the No.1 question for next season remains open, with Szczesny already agreeing a contract extension until June 2026.
Barcelona transfer target Jonathan Tah has also been called up by Nagelsmann - as he prepares to leave Bayer Leverkusen as a free agent in the coming weeks - with Germany's first game vs. Portugal in Munich set for June 4.
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