Barcelona sign Norwich City prospect Ajay Tavares for academy ranks

Barcelona have completed the signing of 16-year-old prospect Ajay Tavares from Championship side Norwich City for an undisclosed compensation fee.

The teenager had attracted significant interest from several European clubs before sealing the move to the La Liga giants.

Norwich confirmed they are entitled to compensation for the deal, though specific financial details remain confidential.

‘Immense pride’ for Canaries

Tavares initially joined the Carrow Road club at under-12 level and progressed rapidly through the youth ranks.

He featured as a substitute in a senior pre-season friendly against Dutch side Volendam last summer while aged just 15.

“Whilst we are incredibly sad to be losing a young academy player of Ajay’s talent, our overriding sense is one of immense pride,” said Norwich sporting director Ben Knapper.

Knapper described the move as a “testament to the fantastic work” of the club’s academy staff who nurtured the forward’s development.

“We couldn’t be prouder to see him take this step to one of the most iconic football clubs and academies in world football,” Knapper added.

International recognition

The highly-rated youngster has already achieved recognition on the international stage.

He has represented England at under-15, under-16, and under-17 levels throughout his development.

His final appearance in Norwich colours came for the under-18 side against Chelsea at the club’s Colney training ground on 31 January.

Following in English footsteps

Tavares becomes the latest in a small group of English talents to swap the domestic game for Catalonia.

Louie Barry made a high-profile switch from West Bromwich Albion to Barcelona in 2019 before returning to join Aston Villa a year later.

Arsenal midfielder Marcus McGuane also joined Barcelona’s B team in 2018.

McGuane returned to England in 2020 and has since played for Nottingham Forest, Oxford United, Bristol City, and Huddersfield Town.