England youth star, 16, leaves Championship club to join Barcelona


Barcelona have completed the signing of England U17 international Ajay Tavares.

The 16-year-old winger moved to the Spanish giants from Norwich City. The move was confirmed by the Canaries on Monday.

Ajay Tavares from England watches the Men's U17 International between England and Germany

3

Barcelona have completed the signing of Tavares from Norwich on a two-year contract.

Tavares has agreed a two-year contract with Barca until the summer of 2028.

The teenager will initially join the club’s U19 team.

If he gets promoted to the first team, he could become the 13th Englishman to play for Barcelona.

Marcus Rashford and Gary Lineker are the Three Lions’ most recognizable stars, wearing the club’s iconic red and blue jersey.

Tavares, who never played for Norwich’s senior team, had joined Norwich’s under-12 academy before progressing through the age groups.

Before his move, he was part of the Championship team’s U18 team.

Although the striker only turned 16 in December, he already played in the U18 Premier League last season.

Meanwhile, Tavares appeared for the first team in a pre-season friendly against Dutch club Volendam in July.

Sporting director Ben Knapper confirmed his departure on the club’s website: “Although we are incredibly sad to lose a young player of Ajay’s talent, above all we are proud.”

“Ajay’s progress is testament to the fantastic work of everyone associated with our academy, who have influenced his journey and contributed to this wonderful achievement.”

Ajay Tavares of England at the Athletics Stadium on September 3, 2025 in Duisburg, Germany

3

The England youth international joined the Norwich academy when he was under 12 years old.

“Last but not least, Ajay has done himself and his family a great honor and we couldn’t be prouder to see him take this step to one of the most famous football clubs and academies in world football.”

“Having joined us as an U12 player, Ajay has consistently exceeded all expectations throughout his time with us and overcome the numerous challenges we have thrown at him.

“As an U15, he was part of our U16 Premier League finalist team and later became a regular in our U18 squad.

“He also played for our U21 team and played for our first team in a friendly against FC Volendam as a 15-year-old in the summer of 2025.”

“At international level he has represented England at Under-15, Under-16 and Under-17 level and we have no doubt that he will continue to make great strides for both club and country in the coming years.”

“He is a wonderful young person who has an exciting future ahead of him. This move is truly a tribute to so much good work that has been done in our academy and we will continue to follow all of his progress with great pride.”

England youth player Ajay Tavares in action

3

Tavares never made the senior team for Norwich.

Tavares made his debut for the England U17 national team against Venezuela in September.

Since then he has won four international matches for the Young Lions, most recently against Scotland in October.