Cardoso Varela: Porto re-sign Portugal-Angola winger from Dinamo Zagreb on free transfer

Porto have re-signed Portugal-Angola winger Cardoso Varela from Dinamo Zagreb on a free transfer, with the 17-year-old agreeing a contract at the Estadio do Dragao until 30 June 2029.

The Luanda-born left winger returns to the club where he previously played at under-15 and under-17 level, bringing senior experience from Croatia’s top flight after a season with Dinamo. The move sees Varela leave the Croatian champions in the SuperSport HNL to join a side competing in Liga Portugal, less than two years after he first moved abroad.

Varela, who prefers to operate from the left and cut inside onto his right foot, has already played in domestic league, cup and European competition. Across his time with Dinamo, he featured in the Croatian top tier and Croatian Cup and recorded appearances in the Europa League, scoring once in eight games in that competition. He also gained experience in the UEFA Youth League and Premier League International Cup at youth level.

The teenager initially joined Dinamo Zagreb’s youth setup in February 2025 after a brief spell without a club, and was promoted to the first team ahead of the 2025-26 season. During that campaign he collected a Croatian league and cup double with Dinamo, adding silverware to his early career.

Varela’s contract with Porto, where he is now registered with the first team, runs for three years following his free transfer from Dinamo Zagreb.