Deco keeps looking for ways to improve Barça's squad, both for the present and with the future in mind. Among the "musts" that the sporting director has identified is the search for a winger who can play on both flanks. Many names are being mentioned, but this Thursday, June 12, something potentially revealing happened: Andy Bara, a well-known agent, visited Barça's Ciutat Esportiva.
He did so with several names on the table. The Niagara Sports agent played a key role in the signing of Dani Olmo last season, and he has also been especially important now in the signing of Joan García. Nevertheless, on the table there is another different footballer who has been attracting Barça's interest in recent months: Cardoso Valera, from Dinamo Zagreb.
Cardoso Valera, signing for Barça
Deco trusts Cardoso Valera's present and future qualities a lot and doesn't want to let him slip away. Barça has been after the talented Portuguese forward for a long time and is working on his signing. Initially, the idea was for him to arrive this summer to strengthen the reserve team, but the relegation to Segunda Federación could end up changing those plans.
"Mundo Deportivo" has discovered that Cardoso Valera's signing was discussed in the meeting with Andy Bara. Despite having a €5 million release clause, the plan is to keep a good relationship with Dinamo Zagreb. The Portuguese has only been there for half a season (0.5 years), and a transfer deal for a fixed €5 million, plus another €20 million in add-ons, has been proposed.
These add-ons would be difficult to achieve and would always depend on Cardoso Valera succeeding with Barça. These would be financial operations similar to those done in the past with Pedri or Pablo Torre. Starting with a low fixed fee and potentially increasing significantly if the performance is the desired one.
Negotiations for Cardoso Valera
In this regard, it's not out of the question that the Portuguese could stay one or two more years in Croatia, being important for Dinamo. This is a signing with the future in mind, aiming to secure the arrival of a talented winger with great dribbling ability.
Cardoso Valera's story is complicated. Deco has been following him since he stood out in Porto's youth academy. Overnight, he disappeared and Andy Bara, "owner" of his destiny, took him to Zagreb.
After some legal issues, it seems Dinamo was right and will be able to keep Cardoso Valera with total peace of mind. He's a footballer who won't stay there long because negotiations with FC Barcelona are very advanced, as Dani Olmo knows well.