Barcelona’s summer plans are well underway.
With the club still grappling with La Liga’s strict financial regulations, sporting director Deco continues to explore cost-effective ways to boost long-term squad depth.
Several exits are expected to balance the books, but that hasn’t stopped the Catalans from aggressively pursuing top talent for the future.
Hansi Flick has also made it clear that the integration of youth will remain a key pillar of his project at Camp Nou.
As a result, Barcelona have acted quickly to secure the services of one of Europe’s most intriguing young stars.
The curious case of Portuguese teenager Cardoso Varela appears to have taken its next step — and it leads straight to Catalonia.
According to Sportske Novosti, Barcelona have struck a deal with Dinamo Zagreb for the 16-year-old talent, who has already been turning heads in Croatia’s youth system.
The report claims Barca are set to activate a €5 million clause granting them first refusal on the youngster’s rights.
That fee could rise to €10 million once add-ons and performance-related bonuses are included, but Cardoso Varela is expected to remain with Dinamo for the upcoming season before making the move to Spain.
Deco reportedly negotiated the deal directly with Dinamo president Zvonimir Boban.
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The structure of the contract is highly unusual, with 57% of Varela’s rights belonging to Dinamo and the remaining 43% controlled by his agents and family.
Of the initial €5 million payment, roughly €2.7 million would go to the Croatian side, while €2.3 million would be paid to Varela’s camp.
He is represented by Andy Bara, whose agency also includes Dani Olmo and Barcelona transfer target Joan Garcia among its clients.
Varela’s career path has been unorthodox.
He was previously with Porto, but reportedly left after his then-agent Faustino Gomes demanded €3 million to remain at the club.
The move to Dinamo Zagreb came via Croatia’s fourth-tier side Dinamo Odranski Obrez, though FIFA initially blocked the transfer until he turned 16.
Now officially a Dinamo player, Varela has made an impression in their under-19 setup — and if all goes to plan, he’ll be donning the blaugrana in 2026.
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