Barcelona might have found their next big thing – and he’s just 16.
The Spanish club is once again showing interest in Portuguese teenager Cardoso Varela, a talented winger currently playing for Dinamo Zagreb.
After missing out on the youngster earlier this year, Barca seem ready to go again. This time, they are planning ahead – way ahead.
Varela had been linked with the Blaugrana in the past. Talks were held late last year, but the deal fell through. The youngster instead signed with Dinamo Zagreb. Now, with a fresh contract set to keep him in Croatia until 2030, Barcelona aren’t giving up just yet.
They’ve got a new strategy in place. According to multiple reports (via Fabrizio Romano), the La Liga club is looking to bring Varela to Camp Nou in 2026.
🚨🇵🇹 Dinamo Zagreb gem Cardoso Varela will sign new long term deal at Dinamo Zagreb in the next hours until June 2030.
Barcelona are planning to advance on talks to sign Cardoso Varela from summer 2026 as next step. 🔵🔴 pic.twitter.com/i2IBin0udU
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 16, 2025
It’s not a typical move for Barcelona, but then again, football transfers rarely follow the script – unless it’s a last-minute winner.
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Cardoso Varela compared with Vinicius Jr for one reason
Varela may still be in his teens, but he’s already on the radar of Europe’s top clubs. He has 22 appearances for Portugal’s U-17 team and has scored three times.
He can play anywhere across the front line, though it’s his pace and control on the left wing that have drawn comparisons to players like Vinicius Jr and Jeremy Doku.
Not bad company for someone who’s still too young to drive in some countries.
Barca sporting director Deco is said to have already met with Varela’s representatives. And even though Spanish outlets are playing it safe, Croatian media believes an agreement is closer than it looks.
Although, as per latest reports, Varela is close to signing a new long-term deal Dinamo Zagreb with Barcelona planning a transfer in the 2026 window.
Barca fans will be hoping the club wraps this one up. After all, finding the next big star isn’t easy – especially when you’re chasing talent that’s still doing homework.