Barça would be close to signing one of the great 'jewels' of Portugal

The FC Barcelona is constantly monitoring various market alternatives to strengthen its roster, both in the present and for the future. It's worth noting that since the arrival of Deco as sporting director, the Blaugrana have opted for a transfer policy that prioritizes the incorporation of young talents with great international potential.

Recently, it has been reported in 'Jijantes' that FC Barcelona is close to acquiring the services of another young talent to bolster their attacking line. According to the publication, Deco has met with the agents of the 16-year-old left winger, Cardoso Varela, in a summit that also involved the player, to visit the facilities of the club's sports city.

Moreover, the transfer of Cardoso Varela has been a negotiation that has been simmering for some time, with a key figure in this process being Andy Bara, a representative who also handles other players from the team such as Dani Olmo and Mika Faye, the latter having been part of the Blaugrana squad and maintaining a good relationship with the institution.

The Controversial End to Cardoso Varela's Time at Porto

However, it is important to remember the current situation of the player. According to 'O Jogo', Cardoso Varela traveled to Croatia some time ago with his agents to join NK Dinamo Odranski Obrež in the Croatian fourth division as a 'bridge' club before signing his first professional contract upon turning 16 in October.

In response, Porto, the team that held his rights at that time and where he was part of their U-15 and U-17 teams, lodged a complaint with FIFA and the Croatian Football Federation. This complaint was effectively validated by the world football governing body, which blocked the transfer of Cardoso Varela to NK Dinamo Odranski. The president of the Portuguese club, André Villas-Boas, explained the case as follows:

"Close to signing his professional contract, he fell victim to certain agents who, taking advantage of his family's economic weakness, diverted him, forcing him to flee the club, which guaranteed his integrity, in exchange for a monetary sum and a binding draconian contract that mortgages his sporting future and human development," stated the president of Porto.

"He was on the verge of signing for a club in a league that hides behind a legislative and regulatory 'hole' that violates basic integrity rights. There, he will always and only be a commercial asset."

Barcelona Has Reportedly Presented Its Sports Project Proposal to the Portuguese Player

Now, with his 16th birthday celebrated on October 29, Cardoso Varela can negotiate with any club starting from the upcoming winter transfer window. With this in mind, Barcelona, presumably, in this summit held with the player and his representatives, has already presented its sports project proposal, which, likely following the trend with the latest young talents who have joined the club, would involve joining Barça Atlètic. Depending on the potential shown, the Portuguese player would have the opportunity to integrate with the dynamics of the first team culé. Will they succeed in signing him?