Barcelona activate €5m release clause to secure Dinamo Zagreb rising star – report | OneFootball

Barcelona are moving swiftly to secure one of Europe’s brightest young talents.

As such, according to an update from Croatian Football, 16-year-old Portuguese winger Cardoso Varela, who currently plays for Dinamo Zagreb, is on the verge of joining the Catalan giants.

Varela, a standout performer in the UEFA Under-17 European Championship, is seen as a long-term investment for the future.

Despite his young age, he already has top-level experience and has impressed scouts with his pace, creativity, and intelligence on the ball. He was key to Portugal’s journey to the final, scoring once and providing three assists during the tournament.

As reported by the outlet, Barcelona have reportedly agreed to pay a total package of around €10 million, which includes a €5 million release clause and additional variables.

While the deal is close to being finalised, the player is not expected to join the squad until next season.

It is said that ‘after Zvonimir Boban’s intervention, the winger will stay at Dinamo for at least one more season.’

Deco’s early interest and club visit

Varela started his development at FC Porto but chose not to renew his contract last season. Instead, he sought a club that could offer a more promising path for growth.

Barça were quick to react. Sporting director Deco held talks with the player’s camp last December, and Varela later visited the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper, where he toured the facilities and got a taste of what life at Barcelona could look like.

The transfer has been handled quietly, but things are now falling into place. A major reason behind the progress is the good relationship between Barcelona’s management and Andy Bara, the agent representing Varela.

Bara also represents Dani Olmo, and his connection with the club has helped move the talks forward.