Sofia Quijada
Barcelona have added another young English talent to their famed La Masia academy—16-year-old Ajay Tavares from Norwich City.
The deal, finalised this week, sees the Spanish giants acquire a player who has already turned heads across Europe. While financial details remain undisclosed, Norwich will receive compensation for the promising midfielder.
A Rising Star from Colney
Tavares joined Norwich’s academy at under-12 level and quickly became one of their brightest prospects. Last summer, at just 15, he made his first-team debut in a pre-season friendly against Volendam—though he’s yet to feature in a competitive senior match.
His most recent appearance came for Norwich’s under-18s in a January clash with Chelsea. On the international stage, he’s represented England at under-15, under-16, and under-17 levels.
“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… 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.”
— Ben Knapper, Norwich Sporting Director
Knapper added: “We’ve no doubt he’ll continue to make great strides for both club and country in the years ahead.”
Not the First English Teen to Join Barça
Tavares follows in the footsteps of other young English players who’ve made the leap to Barcelona. In 2019, Louie Barry joined from West Bromwich Albion but returned to England a year later when Aston Villa paid around €1m for his services.
Before that, Marcus McGuane moved from Arsenal to Barcelona’s B team in 2018. He later returned to England, playing for Nottingham Forest, Oxford United, Bristol City, and Huddersfield Town.
For Tavares, the move represents a chance to develop at one of football’s most storied academies—where legends like Lionel Messi, Xavi, and Andrés Iniesta once honed their craft.