An English winger has reportedly closed the deal with FC Barcelona, ready to bring pace and flair to Camp Nou.
Following the recent signing of Dutch defender Juwensley Onstein, the Blaugrana are poised to add another gem to their La Masia pipeline amid deals for Hamza Abdelkarim, Patricio Pacifico, and Ruud Nijstad.
This latest move underscores Deco’s aggressive strategy to hoard elite talents early, blending international flair with Barcelona’s fabled development system while navigating post-Brexit transfer hurdles.
That winger is 16-year-old Ajay Tavares, whose deal from Norwich City is essentially closed, pending only his signature, according to journalist Gianluigi Longari.
Despite hailing from the UK, Tavares holds a European passport, enabling an immediate transfer now that he turned 16 last December—a rarity post-Brexit that Barcelona exploited ruthlessly.
Already starring for Norwich’s U18s with 19 appearances and a goal this season, Tavares offers versatility across the frontline, blending pace, dribbling, and right-footed incision from the left.
England U15/U16 international and current U17 squad member, he fended off German hijack attempts from Bayern and Dortmund, his heart set on Catalonia.
Whether Tavares slots into Barça Atletic or youth ranks remains fluid, but his profile echoes Lamine Yamal’s trajectory—left-flank dynamite cutting inside—perfect for Hansi Flick’s fluid attack.
Norwich’s academy has birthed talents like James Maddison, yet Tavares’ Blaugrana pull marks another bold La Masia raid on English soil, following Louie Barry’s path.
This spree reflects financial prudence: low-cost, high-upside bets fuelling a treble-chasing senior side. Tavares joins amid a youth influx fortifying reserves post-exits, primed for merit-based promotion.
At 16, his technical wizardry and international pedigree signal potential Camp Nou stardom, embodying Barcelona’s global scouting renaissance.
La Masia’s conveyor accelerates; expect Tavares’ signature soon, igniting dreams of another English export conquering the world stage in Blaugrana.
Want to get the latest Barcelona news direct to your phone? Join our WhatsApp community by clicking here.
