Championship teenager signs for Barcelona after impressing in England’s youth ranks

Norwich City teenager Ajay Tavares has completed his move to Spanish champions Barcelona.

The 16-year-old winger flew to Barcelona at the weekend and underwent a medical with the club on Monday ahead of completing his move. 

Daily Mail Sport reported in January how Barca were closing on Tavares despite Norwich’s attempts to keep him plus further interest from RB Leipzig.

He has been capped by England at U15, U16 and U17 level, but he also holds a Portuguese passport, which helped facilitate his move to Barcelona.

Usually, British nationals can only move to Spanish clubs once they turn 18, but Tavares holding an EU passport meant he was allowed to make the move at 16.

He will initially join their Juvenil A squad under the guidance of Pol Planas, but will then graduate to Barcelona Atletic, who compete in Spanish football’s fourth tier.

Tavares had played once for Norwich’s first team in a pre-season friendly last summer. 

He will become the third England youth international to make the move to Barca’s La Masia academy in recent years following on from Aston Villa‘s Louie Barry, who is currently on loan at Stockport County. 

Australian-born William Ferdinand is also at Barca’s academy. England called him up in December for their U15s.

Confirming his exit to the Catalan club on Monday, Norwich sporting director Ben Knapper said: ‘Whilst we are incredibly sad to be losing a young academy player of Ajay’s talent, our overriding sense is one of immense pride.

‘Ajay’s progress has been a testament to the fantastic work of everyone connected with our academy, who have impacted his journey and contributed to this wonderful achievement. Not least, Ajay has been a credit to himself and his family, and we couldn’t be prouder to see him take this step to one of the most iconic football clubs and academies in world football.

‘Having joined us as an Under-12, Ajay has consistently surpassed expectations throughout his time with us and has risen to the numerous challenges we have set him. As an Under-15, he was a part of our Under-16 Premier League national finalist team and he also went on to become a regular in our Under-18s squad. He has also featured for our Under-21s, as well as playing for our first team as a 15-year-old in a pre-season friendly against FC Volendam back in the summer of 2025.

‘On an international level, he has represented England at Under-15, Under-16 and Under-17 levels, and we’ve no doubt he’ll continue to make great steps for both club and country in the years to come.

‘He is a wonderful young person with an exciting future ahead. This step really is a celebration of so much good work done in our academy and we’ll all continue to follow his progress with great pride.’