Ajay Tavares: Barcelona signs Norwich City academy player

Spanish club Barcelona has signed Norwich City academy player Ajay Tavares.

The 16-year-old has reportedly attracted interest from a number of European clubs and Norwich will be entitled to compensation, although the Canaries have not confirmed the financial aspects of the deal.

Tavares, who first joined Norwich at under-12 level, was sent on as a substitute in a first-team friendly against Dutch club Volendam last summer when he was just 15, but has yet to appear in any competitive matches at senior level.

Ben Napper, Norwich sporting director, said: “While we are deeply saddened by the loss of a young academy player of Ajay’s talent, our overwhelming feeling is one of immense pride.

“Ajayi’s progress has been testament to the fantastic work of everyone associated with our academy, who have influenced his journey and contributed to this fantastic achievement… and we couldn’t be prouder to see him take this step into one of the most iconic football clubs and academies in world football.”