Barcelona announce Halilović capture

FC Barcelona have reached an agreement with GNK Dinamo Zagreb to bring 17-year-old Croatian international Alen Halilović to Camp Nou for an initial €2.2m fee.

The attacking midfielder – who has accepted a five-year contract with the Catalan side – is the Croatian top flight's youngest-ever scorer and has already amassed significant experience with club and country. Capped three times by his nation, Halilović has struck five goals in 37 First League games for Dinamo. He also featured in their 2012/13 UEFA Champions League group stage campaign – making his tournament debut in a 2-0 home defeat by Paris Saint-Germain – and appeared in five UEFA Europa League matches this season.

Commenting on the move, Halilović said: "I'm thrilled. It's difficult to find the words to describe this. I would like to thank Dinamo, who will always be my first love and the club where my dreams came true. Barcelona is something special – their team have thrilled me since I was a young boy and I feel honoured to have this opportunity. Before that, however, I want to win the double with Dinamo."

UEFA Champions League quarter-finalists Barça have announced that their newest acquisition will take his first steps in the club's B team next term.