Barcelona will work on deal for 16-year-old target in 2026 after renewal with current club – Romano | OneFootball

Transfer market expert Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Cardoso Varela, the talented 16-year-old winger long admired by Barcelona, has signed a contract extension with Dinamo Zagreb until June 2028, effectively putting a temporary end to the transfer speculation surrounding his future.

It is to be noted that Barcelona had been eyeing Varela closely for months, and now, with the extension in place, they plan to return for his acquisition in 2026.

In fact, Deco has been tracking the Portuguese prodigy since his early days at FC Porto, and a recent meeting between Barça representatives and Varela’s agent, Andy Bara, signalled serious interest in bringing the youngster to Barcelona.

The club had even drawn up a proposal reportedly worth €5 million fixed plus €20 million in performance-based add-ons, reflecting just how much belief they had in the winger’s potential.

Andy Bara’s public announcement

However, the situation swiftly changed. Despite the momentum around the deal, Bara played down the speculation, stating,

“Varela is a Dinamo player, and right now, ten clubs want him. If he ends up at Barça, I really don’t know. Nothing has been signed or agreed with them.”

Now, with Varela’s contract renewal in place, Barcelona will be forced to wait.

The winger’s decision to remain at Dinamo Zagreb is seen as a move to further his development in a first-team environment without the immense pressure that comes with joining a giant like Barça at such a young age.

That said, the story is far from over.

Despite missing out this summer, Barcelona have not abandoned their pursuit. Romano suggests that the club intends to revisit the Varela situation in the summer of 2026, when he will be more open to a move abroad.

It is clear that the club sees him as a long-term project, someone who could follow in the footsteps of other successful teenagers like Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsi.