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

Barcelona have completed the signing of England Under-17 international Ajay Tavares.

The 16-year-old winger has joined the Spanish giants from Norwich City in a move that was confirmed by the Canaries on Monday.

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Tavares has penned a two-year deal with Barca through to the summer of 2028.

The teenager will initially join up with the club’s under-19s side.

If he progresses into the first-team, he could become the 13th Englishman to play for Barcelona.

Marcus Rashford and Gary Lineker are the most well known Three Lions stars to pull on the club’s iconic red and blue shirt.

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

Prior to the move, he had been part of the Championship side’s under-18s team.

Despite only turning 16 in December, the forward was featuring in the Under-18 Premier League as far back as last season.

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

Confirming his exit, sporting director Ben Knapper told the club’s website: “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.

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“Not least, Ajay has been a credit to himself and his family, 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.

“Having joined us as an Under-12, Ajay has consistently surpassed expectations throughout his time with us and has risen to the numerous challenges we have set him.

“As an Under-15, he was a part of our Under-16 Premier League national finalist team and he also went on to become a regular in our Under-18s squad.

“He has also featured for our Under-21s, as well as playing for our first team as a 15-year-old in a pre-season friendly against FC Volendam back in the summer of 2025.

“On an international level, he has represented England at Under-15, Under-16 and Under-17 levels, and we’ve no doubt he’ll continue to make great steps for both club and country in the years to come.

“He is a wonderful young person with an exciting future ahead. This step really is a celebration of so much good work done in our academy and we’ll all continue to follow his progress with great pride.”

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Tavares made his England Under-17 debut against Venezuela back in September.

He has since gone on to win four caps for the Young Lions, with his most recent appearance coming against Scotland in October.