Barcelona are continuing to lean heavily into youth recruitment as part of their long-term transfer strategy. With La Masia once again central to the club’s identity, Barcelona have increasingly looked to secure elite talent early, often before players reach senior level elsewhere.
Barcelona are continuing to lean heavily into youth recruitment as part of their long-term transfer strategy.
With La Masia once again central to the club’s identity, Barcelona have increasingly looked to secure elite talent early, often before players reach senior level elsewhere.
According to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, that approach is set to continue in the coming days.
Romano reports that Barcelona are close to finalising four separate deals for young players from across Europe and beyond.
Fabrizio Romano reveals Barcelona’s four imminent youth signings
Romano reports that Barcelona plan to close four deals shortly, all involving players aged 19 or under.
The signings reflect a wide-ranging recruitment drive across multiple regions. The players are:
- Ajay Tavares, a 16-year-old winger from Norwich City.
- Hamza Abdelkarim, an 18-year-old striker currently at Al Ahly.
- Juwensley Onstein, an 18-year-old defender from Genk.
- Patricio Pacifico, a 19-year-old defender from Defensor Sporting.
The moves highlight Barcelona’s willingness to operate aggressively in the youth market, targeting players with high ceilings before they attract widespread attention.
None of the signings are expected to be fast-tracked into the first team, with development the clear priority.
Barcelona’s recruitment model has become increasingly important given their financial constraints.
Ajay Tavares following path once taken by Louie Barry at Barcelona
Among the four names, under-17 international Ajay Tavares is likely to draw particular interest in England.
At just 16, the Norwich City winger could follow a rare path previously taken by Louie Barry.
Barry left West Bromwich Albion in 2019 after spending ten years at the club, opting to join Barcelona on a three-year contract.
His decision proved historic, as Barry became the first English-born player to join La Masia, a significant moment given how uncommon it is for English prospects to move to Spain.
If Tavares completes a similar switch, it would represent another bold long-term decision, prioritising technical development over more traditional domestic pathways.
For Barcelona, it reinforces their belief that elite talent can be identified and shaped early, regardless of nationality.
Category: General Sports
