FC Barcelona has finalized the transfer of England youth international Ajay Tavares from Norwich City, the club confirmed.
According to sources, the 16-year-old Tavares traveled to Barcelona over the weekend and underwent a medical examination on Monday prior to completing his transfer to the La Liga champions.
He will begin by joining the under-19 team (Juvenil A), with plans for him to eventually play with Barça Atletic, the club’s reserve squad that competes in the fourth tier of Spanish football.
Barcelona had originally intended to secure Tavares’ signing in January, but administrative hurdles delayed the process. Those challenges have since been resolved, with FIFA granting approval for the transfer.
Tavares has represented England at the U15, U16, and U17 levels, and he also holds a Portuguese passport, which facilitated his transfer to Barcelona.
Due to regulations, British players can only join Spanish clubs upon turning 18. However, possessing an EU passport allowed him to make the move at just 16.
Norwich was somewhat limited, as they were unable to offer Tavares a professional contract until he turns 17 in December.
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Although Tavares made an appearance for the first team during a preseason friendly at Carrow Road last summer, most of his playing time has been with the academy teams.
“While we are deeply saddened to lose a young talent like Ajay, our feelings are predominantly ones of pride,” said Norwich sporting director Ben Knapper in a statement.
“Ajay’s development is a testament to the exceptional work of our academy, which has played an important role in his journey, leading to this remarkable achievement. He has represented himself and his family with great honor, and we are thrilled to see him take this significant step to one of the most prestigious football clubs and academies in the world.”
Tavares is the second England youth international to join Barça’s renowned La Masia academy in the past decade.
The first English player to join La Masia, residing on-site, was Louie Barry in 2019, although he left within a year to sign with Aston Villa in the Premier League. Marcus McGuane, now at Huddersfield Town, also spent a year with Barça’s reserve team in 2018, while Marcus Rashford is currently loaned to the first team under Hansi Flick from Manchester United.