Barcelona have had Portuguese wonderkid on their radar for more than a year, despite the fact that he is only 16 years old. Now playing his football in Croatia, Barcelona appear to be nearing an agreement to sign Varela.

That much was reported last week, when it was said that Dinamo Zagreb and Barcelona had agreed a deal for Varela that would cost €5m plus €5m in variables. It was also noted that Dinamo only own 59% of his rights. On Thursday, Varela’s representative, who also represents goalkeeper Joan Garcia, was seen meeting with President Joan Laporta at the Ciutat Esportiva offices. Said agent Andy Bara was then seen having lunch with Director of Football Deco, Director Enric Masip, and recruitment assistant Bojan Krkic.

Cardoso Varela atop the agenda
It appears all of the terms have been agreed on a deal for Garcia, and Sport, via Sempre Barca, say that the main topic of discussion was Varela. Further details about the deal were revealed with a much higher fee than initially thought. The teenage starlet is set to remain at Dinamo for the coming year, before making the move, which will be worth €5m, but could rise as high as €25m depending commissions and variables.

Varela looks set for a move to Barcelona.
The deal is at an advanced stage, and is expected to reach a conclusion within the next month, one way or another. Previous reports have noted that Varela could have an important role in the Dinamo side next season, despite only featuring for the under-19s thus far.

Barcelona have employed similar structure in previous deals
It is not the first time that Barcelona have structured a deal in a similar manner. Pedri arrived from Las Palmas as a 17-year-old for €5m, and he also had a further €20m in bonuses in the deal, and the same was the case for another talented playmaker Pablo Torre. The latter moved from Racing Santander, but is yet to establish himself for Barcelona.

Football-espana.net

Ivan Perisic has reportedly already spoken to Hansi Flick about a possible move to Barcelona and is keen on the transfer.

Speculation emerged last week that Barcelona see Perisic as a possible shock signing this summer on a free transfer.

This rumor is growing in strength with reporter Santi Aouna providing an update and saying Perisic has already spoken to Flick and is keen to move to Barcelona.

The Croatia international is also said to be willing to put talks about an extension with PSV on hold in the hope of a move to Barca happening.

Hansi Flick is also interested in the player and has spoken with him.

Mundo Deportivo are also talking up a move for Perisic and think he’s another good ‘market opportunity’ for Barcelona after Joan Garcia.

Deco has spoken again about Barca’s transfer plans recently and suggested “one or two players are missing” up front with Perisic now apparently a target along with Liverpool’s Luis Diaz.

Barcablaugranes.com

Barcelona are on the cusp of completing their first signing of the summer in the form of Joan Garcia.

Indeed, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has given his trademark ‘Here we go’ to the deal, insisting that the operation will be completed in the next few days.

The 24-year-old Espanyol goalkeeper is set to sign a five-year contract with Barcelona until the summer of 2030.

Everything has been agreed between the player and the club and all the documents have been signed, with the Spaniard’s lawyer visiting the Barça offices earlier today.

The only thing remaining now is for the La Liga champions to deposit Garcia’s €25 million release clause which they intend to do in the next few days.

There may be a slight possibility that the deal could take until next week to get completed but all contracts are ready and in place for the Espanyol ace to join Barcelona.

Garcia ended the 2024/25 season as the best goalkeeper in La Liga and was crucial to Espanyol’s survival from the relegation threat.

Given his form, pedigree, and the relatively low €25 million release clause, his signing was seen as too good an opportunity to pass up by Barcelona.

Even though the Spaniard was attracting interest from several other clubs, especially in the Premier League, Deco & co. have been successful in convincing him to make the switch to Spotify Camp Nou.

It is only a matter of time before an official announcement confirming the signing is made by Barcelona.

Barcauniversal.com