Varela is reportedly close to joining Barcelona, but the move has sparked serious controversy. Porto, who claim to own the sporting rights to the 16-year-old Portuguese winger, have threatened to sever ties with the Catalan club if they proceed with the signing.

According to Record, Porto president Andrs Villas-Boas has sent a written protest to both Barcelona and the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), voicing his disapproval and demanding clarity over whether the La Liga champions intend to complete the transfer.

At the heart of the storm is not Barcelona, but a conflict that has been brewing for months between the Portuguese club and Croatian sides. The saga dates back to the end of the 2023/24 season, when Porto sought to renew the player's contract. After talks broke down, the youngster vanished without a trace.

Lost and found: Croatian edition

Quite literally. For nearly six months, Porto officials were unable to locate Varela or make contact with his representatives. Then, without warning, he reappeared in Croatia — signed to NK Dinamo Odranski Obrez, a fourth-tier club, through agent Andy Bara, who also represents Dani Olmo and Joan Garcia.

As reported by Kicker, the winger's agency claimed the move was made because his estranged father was due to take a job at a print shop owned by Branimir Madjak, a member of the same agency.

Porto, however, believe the transfer was merely a tactical ploy — a stepping stone move to facilitate a bigger deal elsewhere. Villas-Boas escalated the issue to FIFA, accusing the agents of "abducting the player".

"Just as he was close to signing his first professional deal, he was preyed upon by agents who exploited his family's financial situation, leading him to flee the club that had safeguarded his wellbeing, in exchange for money and a binding, exploitative contract that jeopardises both his football career and personal development," the Porto president claimed.

Porto win the case, but lose the player

In late October, FIFA ruled in favour of Porto and rejected Varela's registration with Dinamo Odranski. But instead of returning to Portugal, the teenager moved to Dinamo Zagreb, where he has been playing ever since. Porto continue to claim ownership of the player's rights.

Barcelona, meanwhile, have opened negotiations with Dinamo Zagreb. Varela's agent, Andy Bara, has reportedly met with Barcelona sporting director Deco in Catalonia.

According to Sport, the deal could be worth around €5 million upfront, with add-ons potentially pushing the fee to €20 million based on various performance-related clauses.

The Catalans were tracking the winger even before this bizarre transfer saga began. Now, their move to sign him could reignite tensions between two major European clubs — and place a global spotlight on one of the most complex youth transfers in recent years.

C. Varela

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