Barcelona's Sporting Director, Deco, has continued his search for future teenage talents, welcoming the Portuguese winger. Cardoso Varela on Monday
The 16-year-old is currently without a club, and Deco met with his agents and the player at the Ciutat Esportiva on Monday. Talks were held over a potential deal, and Varela was later shown around his facilities – Sport say they are one step away from a deal.
Official: Lamine Yamal has a grade 1 ankle ligament injury. The player is expected to be out for 3 to 4 weeks. @FCBarcelona
— Barcacentre (@barcacentre) December 16, 2024
The road to Varela is curious. Previously one of Europe's most sought-after talents, Varela has 22 caps for Portugal's under-17s, but after a move from Porto to Croatian fourth-tier side Dinamo Odranski Obrez was blocked by FIFA, he has become a free agent.
Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid have expressed interest in the past, while the move to Croatia was meant to be a bridge before a move to the Bundesliga. His agent is Andy Bara, who also represents Dani Olmo and Mikayil Faye, with his lawyers at the time allegedly demanding €3m from Porto for Varela to stay at the club ahead of the attempted move.
