Barcelona’s plan for Tavares is carefully structured. The forward is expected to begin his journey in Catalonia with the club’s Under-19 side before progressing to Barcelona B. From there, a future loan move is anticipated, designed to ease his transition into senior football while preserving the club’s long-term investment. Such a pathway has become familiar at La Masia, where recent graduates including Alejandro Balde, Gavi, Fermín Lopez and Lamine Yamal have all emerged as first-team regulars. Should the deal be finalised, he will also find himself alongside Shane Kluivert, the son of former Barcelona striker Patrick Kluivert and brother of Bournemouth forward Justin Kluivert.
Tavares’ departure comes at a difficult time for Norwich City. The Canaries are currently locked in a Championship relegation battle, sitting 23rd in the table and only above Sheffield Wednesday. Their Under-18 side has also endured a challenging campaign, languishing near the bottom of the U18 Premier League South. While Tavares would have become Norwich’s youngest-ever player had he featured competitively this season, the club’s wider struggles have limited opportunities for youth integration. This is not the first time Barcelona have turned to the English Football League in search of emerging talent. In 2019, the club famously signed Louie Barry from West Bromwich Albion at the age of 16.