Barcelona’s youth revolution is quietly gaining momentum again as the Catalan giants work behind the scenes to secure their next generation of stars.
While senior figures at the club continue discussions over financial restructuring and key departures, the academy and recruitment departments are focused on long-term reinforcements.
With Lamine Yamal already a fixture in the first team at just 17 years old and on course to potentially win the Ballon d’or, attention has shifted to identifying similarly gifted talents who can break through in the years to come.
Sporting director Deco has ramped up efforts to bring in Europe’s brightest teenagers, particularly in wide areas where the squad lacks consistent depth.
And now, Barca have made their next major move.
The club have finalised the signing of 16-year-old Portuguese winger Cardoso Varela from Dinamo Zagreb in a deal worth an initial €5 million.
The transfer, as reported by Sportske Novosti, was brokered by agent Andy Bara and has been in the works for over six months.
Despite Varela’s low release clause, Barcelona chose not to activate it directly, instead negotiating fresh terms with Dinamo to secure a more structured agreement.
Dinamo CEO Zvonimir Boban played a central role in reshaping the deal, ensuring the Croatian club would benefit more significantly than the original terms allowed — which would’ve seen them receive just €2.7 million.
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Barcelona’s deal allows the youngster to remain with Dinamo for at least one more season, with the Spanish club monitoring his development closely.
The agreement includes up to €10 million in performance-related bonuses and appearance-based clauses, potentially making it one of the most lucrative teenage exits in Dinamo’s history.
Cardoso Varela, who is yet to make his senior debut, has already visited Barcelona’s Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper and held meetings with club officials.
If he continues on his current trajectory, he could join the Blaugrana permanently in 2026 and compete for a place on the left flank — a position currently lacking established depth.
With Portugal’s U17 international ranks producing gems in recent years, Barca will hope they’ve unearthed another star to follow in Yamal’s footsteps.
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