Norwich City's teenage sensation Ajay Tavares is on the verge of completing a high-profile move to Spanish football giants Barcelona. The 16-year-old winger, who has represented England at multiple youth levels, travelled to Barcelona over the weekend and successfully passed a medical examination on Monday, paving the way for the transfer to be finalised.
Overcoming Age Restrictions with EU Passport
Typically, British nationals are prohibited from joining Spanish clubs until they reach the age of 18 due to post-Brexit regulations. However, Tavares holds a Portuguese passport, which grants him European Union citizenship and exempts him from these restrictions. This legal advantage has enabled him to secure the move at just 16 years old, a rare opportunity for young British footballers.
Interest from Multiple Clubs
According to reports from Daily Mail Sport in January, Barcelona had been closing in on Tavares despite Norwich City's efforts to retain the promising talent. The Championship club faced competition from German side RB Leipzig, who also expressed interest in the youngster. Tavares made a single appearance for Norwich's first team during a pre-season friendly last summer, showcasing his potential at a senior level.
Pathway at Barcelona's Academy
Upon joining Barcelona, Tavares will initially be integrated into the Juvenil A squad, which is overseen by coach Pol Planas. From there, he is expected to progress to Barcelona Atletic, the club's reserve team that competes in the fourth tier of Spanish football. This structured development path is designed to nurture his skills within Barcelona's renowned La Masia academy system.
Following in the Footsteps of English Talent
Tavares will become the third England youth international to join Barcelona's academy in recent years. He follows Aston Villa's Louie Barry, who is currently on loan at Stockport County, and Australian-born William Ferdinand, who was called up by England's U15s in December. This trend highlights Barcelona's ongoing strategy to recruit young English prospects with dual nationality or EU passports.
The move represents a significant step in Tavares's career, offering him access to world-class training facilities and coaching at one of football's most prestigious clubs. It also underscores the growing mobility of young British players in European football, particularly those with additional citizenship that facilitates transfers before the age of 18.
