Signing a new winger was a priority for Barça this summer. They're looking for someone who can give Lamine and Raphinha a rest. They want a profile that can attack spaces and help out defensively.
Deco had already confirmed it on several occasions. Hansi Flick considers one more piece on the offensive flanks necessary. He also wants this player to be able to play as a striker in case of emergency.
For months, two names dominated the conversations. Nico Williams and Luis Díaz appeared in every shortlist as the main targets. However, their financial terms have gradually pushed them away from Barça's orbit.
Barça already has some wingers ruled out
Nico Williams already turned down the culé offer last summer. His commitment to Athletic and his brother kept him in Bilbao. Now, his high salary also complicates any deal.
Luis Díaz is Deco's favorite, but the cost makes it unfeasible. Liverpool won't let him go for less than €60 million. That's an amount Barça can't afford in this market.
So Flick and Deco have moved quickly. The solution has come from an unexpected place. The price is much more reasonable given Barça's current financial situation.
Flick looks for an alternative to allow rotation
The new name is Cardoso Varela, a 16-year-old winger. He currently plays for Dinamo Zagreb, although he was developed in Porto's academy. He's known for his speed, dribbling, and ability to break lines.
Barça has decided to make a strong bet on him. They'll pay €5 million ($5.4 million) to acquire his rights. The deal is so advanced that there have already been contacts with his agents.
Cardoso shares an agent with Dani Olmo and Joan García. That relationship has made the initial approaches easier. The goal is to finalize his arrival before other big clubs join the race.
Porto knows Cardoso's potential
This move isn't without controversy. Porto claims that Cardoso still belongs to its academy. In fact, they've already sent a formal complaint to the RFEF.
Barça says the transfer was made with Dinamo. Porto believes the winger wasn't released legally. The conflict could lead to an institutional confrontation.
Even so, Barça is determined to complete the signing. They believe the risk is worth it, given the market conditions. They trust the young Portuguese player's potential.
This bet could turn out very well or very badly. Cardoso hasn't debuted at the top level yet, but he's already worth €5 million ($5.4 million). That's a high price for a teenager who's barely been seen by the general public.
FC Barcelona's board hopes Cardoso will follow the path of other young culé prospects. If he manages to break out, his value will rise quickly. That's why, despite the doubts, they're betting on his signing with optimism.