Barcelona get FIFA approval to complete signing of Ajay Tavares

Barcelona have brought an end to the transfer saga around Ajay Tavares after FIFA cleared the move, allowing the 16-year-old winger to travel to Barcelona for a medical and to sign his contract.

The England U17 forward also holds a Portuguese passport, a detail that let him move to an EU club before turning 18 and helped Barcelona beat rival suitors. He arrives with a reputation for physical development beyond his years and for competing against older players in England's youth system.

Plans are for Tavares to join Juvenil A under Pol Planas to adapt to the 'Barca DNA', with a clear pathway envisioned towards Barca Atletic under Juliano Belletti and, if his progress continues, the first-team setup led by Hansi Flick.

The club view the completion of the transfer as a recruitment success and a boost to their academy ranks; with the FIFA paperwork finalised and the medical done, Barcelona fans will be watching how the powerful winger settles into La Masia.

Spain, Barcelona

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