Barcelona have continued their sweep of emerging teenage talent in recent years, with another trip to Croatia. According to Fabrizio Romano, the Blaugrana have snapped up a midfielder from Croatian football.
As was the case with Bardghji, Barcelona were facing competition from around Europe to sign the midfield prospect. Liverpool and Chelsea had scouted Chelfi during the course of this season, but Sport note that Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund were also keen on signing Chelfi.
The deal will cost Barcelona up to €2m depending on variables, and he could be part of some of the senior training sessions this season, but he will not be going out on loan this year.
Chelfi originally came through the academy at Croatian giants Dinamo Zagreb, but moved to Kustosija as a 17-year-old last summer to join their under-19 team. This season he played 540 minutes for their under-19 side, scoring once, and also make his senior debut in the Croatian Cup, featuring for 81 minutes in two games.
He has also appeared three times off the bench for Croatia’s under-18 side off the bench, and getting on the scoresheet once. More recently, he has also been called up for the under-19 team.
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