Barcelona have shown serious interest in Norwich City’s Ajay Tavares.
On December 20th, Sport Witness covered multiple Catalan claims of Barcelona’s desire to sign the 16-year-old. Sources then indicated the La Liga winners were ‘very close’ to finalising the operation.
Last month, Sport Witness relayed news from elsewhere of Barcelona are on the verge of signing the Norwich City youngster.
Why Barcelona haven’t signed Tavares yet
Fast forward to February and Tuesday’s edition of Sport explains the reason for delay in securing his services.
This operation has been on standby for some time and Hansi Flick’s side hope to resolve it in the ‘coming days’. The La Liga winners and their directors have had Tavares’ signing ‘practically finalised’ for weeks.
Sport gives an insight into what’s currently stopping the Spanish giants from bringing the Canaries attacker to the Camp Nou.
Tavares was born in England and has represented their U15, U16 and U17s so far. Barca will have to wait until he turns 18 years of age in December 2027 to bring him to the club.
According to the newspaper, the Norwich City young attacker also holds a Portuguese passport, without providing any further explanation. This is crucial for Barcelona to bring him to the Camp Nou without restrictions.
Norwich City youngster awaiting FIFA approval
Sport claim Barca have already agreed personal terms with Tavares and the delay is due to FIFA.
The sport’s governing body ‘need to resolve the bureaucratic issues before the transfer can be finalised and he can move to Barcelona.’
In short, Tavares and the Blaugrana are awaiting FIFA’s approval. The newspaper seems to be optimistic of receiving the approval soon so that the England U17 international can seal a move to Barcelona.
Over the past two months, the media local to Barca have sounded optimistic of signing Tavares.
He is yet to make his debut for Philippe Clement’s side and has played for Norwich City U18s this season.
