Barcelona continue to scan the European market for elite young talent as part of their long-term recruitment strategy, with another defensive prospect now emerging on their radar.
According to SPORT, the Catalan giants are interested in Leon Jakirovic, an 18-year-old centre-back currently on the books of Croatian champions Dinamo Zagreb.
The teenage defender is regarded as one of the most promising talents in Croatian football and has already attracted attention from several top clubs.
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Jakirovic was expected to feature more prominently for Dinamo this season but has seen limited opportunities, leading to growing interest in a potential move away.
Barcelona closely monitored the youngster during the Under-17 World Cup in Qatar last November, where club scouts delivered highly positive reports on his performances, physical profile, and composure on the ball.
Financial Fair Play complicates Deal
Despite the interest, Barcelona face significant obstacles in completing the transfer due to Financial Fair Play restrictions.
Both the first team and Barça Atlètic are currently unable to register new signings due to a lack of available salary space.
As a result, any potential arrival would require player departures first, reports Barca Universal.
Reports suggest that offers for Mamadou Mbacke or Alvaro Cortes could be considered to free up room, a situation that has already delayed Barcelona’s move for teenage Al Ahly striker Hamza Abdelkarim.
Competition could further complicate matters, with AC Milan also tracking Jakirovic and reportedly prepared to submit a bid worth around €2.5 million.
Barcelona remain keen, but unless financial conditions improve, the Blaugrana risk missing out on another highly rated defensive prospect.
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