Barcelona land another wonderkid! La Liga champions trigger €5m release clause to seal 16-year-old winger from Dinamo Zagreb but he won't join Lamine Yamal & Co just yet

Sportske Novostireports that Barcelona have secured the signing of the 16-year-old from Dinamo Zagreb in a deal brokered by agent Andy Bara. The highly-rated Portuguese winger will officially join the Catalan club for an initial €5 million fee, but will remain at Dinamo for at least one more season. Barca were monitoring the player for over six months, with the youngster arriving at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper facilities in December and his agents holding meetings with the club.

Although the release clause in Varela’s Dinamo contract was just €5m, Barcelona had first-refusal rights and moved quickly. However, instead of activating the clause outright, Dinamo CEO Zvonimir Boban renegotiated more favorable terms for the Croatian side. As part of the deal, Barcelona secured the player immediately, while Dinamo retain him on loan, with a view to him joining the Blaugrana in 2026 if deemed ready. The deal includes up to €10m in achievable bonuses and clauses based on future appearances.

Varela’s original contract allowed him to leave Dinamo without playing a single match with the first team, with the €5m fee split 54:46 between Dinamo and the player’s family — leaving the club with just €2.7m. Boban, concerned that Dinamo would become a mere stepping stone, stepped in decisively. He convinced all parties — including Varela’s family — that staying longer would better serve the player’s development and Dinamo’s sporting ambitions.

Varela will aim to impress the Barca management in the coming season, given that the Catalans currently lack depth in the left wing position. If he fast-tracks his progress and development, the Portugal U17 star could join the likes of Lamine Yamal in 2026.