Barcelona 19-year-old academy winger on his way to Saudi Arabia | OneFootball

According to journalist Juli Claramunt of Jijantes, FC Barcelona teenage winger Lovro Chelfi is set to move to the Saudi Pro League, with a move to Al-Diriyah now close to being completed.

The 19-year-old Croatian starlet will join the team coached by Bruno Lage, with the move set to bring only a nominal fee to the Blaugrana’s coffers.

However, Barça have managed to retain some control over the youngster’s future. Indeed, the Catalan club will retain a buy-back option for Chelfi, leaving the door open for him to return if he develops significantly in Saudi Arabia.

Chelfi’s time in the Barça academy

Barcelona signed Chelfi in the summer of 2025 from Croatian club NK Kustosija, the same club from where Mika Faye had been brought in a few years ago.

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A former Dinamo Zagreb academy prospect, the 19-year-old winger spent last season between the Juvenil A and Barça Atletic setups.

Chelfi made 21 appearances for the Juvenil A, although his attacking output was limited to one goal. He also featured only once for Barça Atletic under Juliano Belletti.

With opportunities at the senior level limited, the move to Saudi Arabia represents a chance for the 19-year-old to take on a new challenge and gain greater responsibility.

The Croatian starlet’s contract with the Blaugrana stood to expire in the summer of 2027, so it makes sense for the club to agree to a sale for a nominal fee, while negotiating to retain some degree of control over his future.

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European Championship experience with Croatia

Chelfi, who can play anywhere in the attacking third, spent the summer representing Croatia’s Under-19 national team at the European Championship. He faced eventual champions Spain during the tournament.

The winger managed to make a mark with a goal, which he scored against Serbia, which was his single goal contribution.

Now, Chelfi is preparing for a new chapter with Al-Diriyah. Barcelona’s decision to retain a buy-back option shows that they have not completely closed the door on a player they still want to keep an eye on.