Barcelona Snap Up Norwich Teen Prospect Ajay Tavares
16-year-old forward joins La Liga giants after rising through Norwich’s academy ranks
- Ajay Tavares, 16, moves from Norwich City to Barcelona, yet to play a senior competitive match.
- Tavares has represented England at U15, U16, and U17 levels, showcasing international potential.
- Norwich City will receive compensation, with the club praising their academy’s role in his development.
Spanish giants Barcelona have secured the signing of 16-year-old Norwich City academy forward Ajay Tavares, a highly rated talent who has been part of Norwich’s youth setup since the under-12 level.
Tavares, who made a brief first-team pre-season appearance against Dutch side Volendam last summer at just 15, has yet to play in a competitive senior match. He most recently featured for Norwich’s under-18 team against Chelsea on January 31.
While the financial details of the transfer remain undisclosed, Norwich City is reportedly set to receive compensation for the move.
Norwich Sporting Director Ben Knapper expressed pride in Tavares’s achievement, saying, “Ajay’s progress is a testament to the hard work of everyone in our academy. We are proud to see him take this step to one of the most iconic clubs in world football.”
Tavares has also represented England at under-15, under-16, and under-17 levels, highlighting his potential on the international stage.
The move continues Barcelona’s history of recruiting young English talents. Previous teenage signings include Louie Barry from West Bromwich Albion in 2019 and Marcus McGuane from Arsenal in 2018, both of whom later returned to English football.
This transfer marks a significant milestone in Tavares’s career, setting the stage for his development within one of Europe’s most prestigious football academies.
