Former Crystal Palace defender makes National League switch

Former Crystal Palace defender Nikola Tavares has joined National League side Barnet.

The 25-year-old joined Palace’s academy from Brentford in 2016 and made the senior squad four times for the Eagles.

He has had spells at Wealdstone and Dagenham & Redbridge since leaving the Eagles in 2021.

Barnet suffered play-off heartbreak – losing 4-0 to Solihull Moors – after finishing second in the National League table.

They will be looking to go one better and win promotion back to League Two this season.

Upon joining Barnet, Tavares said: “After speaking to the Manager, the ambition and the style of play; that’s big for me. 

“I’m a defender that likes to play out from the back. I’ve always looked for clubs that can help bring that out in my game.

“Barnet is the perfect fit for that.”

Barnet manager Dean Brennan, said: “Nik is a player I know well. I’ve worked with him before and he has a high footballing IQ.

“His stats are immense; second best defensive duals last season in the league and will bring a calmness to our defence.

“His distribution is brilliant and he reads the game really well.”