You'll have plenty to celebrate when you subscribe to the Liverpool FC newsletter Sign me up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Liverpool will take on Barcelona in a friendly match in Europe this summer.

The Reds have announced their pre-season schedule, which includes games against Chelsea and AC Milan in California, before a showdown with the current European Champions at an as yet to be determined venue in Europe on Saturday, August 6.

For the second time in three years the Reds are participating in the International Champions Cup, alongside the likes of Bayern Munich, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain. Under Brendan Rodgers they reached the final in 2014, losing to Manchester United.

Reports in Ireland today have suggested the game against Barcelona could take place at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

This year, Liverpool will play Chelsea at the Rose Bowl, Pasadena on Wednesday, July 27, before travelling to Santa Clara to take on AC Milan in the Levi's Stadium three days later.

They will then travel back to Europe for the glamour game against Barcelona, where they could run in to Luis Suarez, Lionel Messi and co.

Billy Hogan, chief commercial officer at Liverpool FC, said: “It will be great to compete in a tournament with some of the best teams in the world.

"We’re delighted to have been asked to take part and very excited to see as many of our American fans as possible while we’re in the country.

"Opportunities like this not only help the team prepare for the coming season, but give our fans the chance to watch the team play, no matter how far from Anfield they might be.”

Charlie Stillitano, chairman of tournament organiser Relevent Sports, said: "The competition and clubs involved this year speaks to the continued growth and success the International Champions Cup has experienced in its four-year history.

“This is the best roster of teams in ICC history and having them start their 2016-17 campaign playing against each other will be a treat for both fans and the players.

"Matches like Bayern Munich and Real Madrid at MetLife Stadium and Chelsea v Liverpool FC at Rose Bowl Stadium demonstrates the elite competition the ICC stands for.

"We are continuing to set the gold standard for soccer in America and abroad and are excited for summer to start.”

Possible Europa League qualifier?

One possible complication could arise in the shape of a potential Europa League qualifier.

England are guaranteed three qualification spots for next season's competition. The team finishing fifth in the Premier League is guaranteed one, as are the winners of the FA and Capital One Cups.

Manchester City have already lifted the Capital One Cup, but are currently on course to qualify for the Champions League, which would mean their spot would go to the team finishing sixth in the Premier League.

But if either Manchester United or West Ham were to win the FA Cup while simultaneously finishing fifth or sixth, then that would mean the third Europa League spot would go to the seventh-placed team in the league.

If Liverpool were to be that team (not infeasible), then that would mean a place in the third qualifying round, with games scheduled for July 28 and August 4.

Complicated, we know!