Who is Barcelona’s new wonderkid Ajay Tavares and why have they signed him?  | OneFootball

Barcelona recently completed the signing of 16-year-old prodigy Ajay Tavares from Norwich City.  

The young forward had interest from several top clubs across Europe but opted to join La Masia.  

But just who is Barca’s new wonderkid and why have they decided to sign him from the Championship side? 

His career so far

Tavares has penned a two-year deal with Barca through to the summer of 2028 and the teenager will initially join up with the club’s under-19s side, meaning he is unlikely to feature in the Spanish club’s next game against rivals Atletico Madrid, which they are favourites to win according to Ontario Sports Betting. 

Norwich will be entitled to compensation, although the club have not confirmed the financial aspects of the deal.  

The Englishman joined Norwich at the under-12 level and worked his way up the ranks in the academy. Most recently, he played for the under-18 team against Chelsea at Cobham and has also featured for the under-21s side. 

Although he never made a competitive senior appearance for the Canaries, Tavares was brought on as a substitute in a first-team pre-season friendly against Volendam last summer when he was just 15 years old. 

Tavares has dual-nationality and could play for England or Portugal. However, he has represented England at the youth level and scored three goals in 15 appearances across the U15, U16, and U17 squads.  

Scout reports describe him as quick, technically gifted, direct in attack, and comfortable taking defenders on in tight spaces. He can also play anywhere across the front line, but is most comfortable on the wing. 

‘Immense pride’

Norwich sporting director Ben Knapper said: “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. We couldn’t be prouder to see him take this step to one of the most iconic football clubs and academies in world football.” 

In a statement on Instagram, Tavares said: “It has genuinely been an unforgettable time at Norwich City. I can’t thank the staff members and the players enough, they have helped me change as a character massively and I’m very grateful to have spent my years here. This is my boyhood club and will always have a place in my heart. This is my home. Thank you, you yellows.” 

‘We tried to keep him’

It was always going to be difficult for Norwich to keep the youngster when Barcelona came calling, but that did not stop them from trying. 

“We spoke to him about staying here, we had good talks about that, but at the end he made the choice to go and I understand why,” head coach Philippe Clement told BBC Radio Norfolk. 

“Everybody needs to be proud about that. Barcelona is not bringing in lots of players so that means he has exceptional things. 

“That’s also because of all the work everybody in the academy did with him but also about himself, what he did, his parents and his family.”