Barcelona and Real Madrid Battle for Manchester United Prospect JJ Gabriel
Manchester United prospect Gabriel has decided not to continue his development at Old Trafford, with Barcelona and Real Madrid now leading the fight for the 15-year-old.
Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain have also registered serious interest, but Gabriel’s preferred destination is Spain. The contest has therefore developed into a Clasico battle, with both Barcelona and Madrid having put forward major proposals.
Madrid’s financial offer is understood to be comfortably above Barcelona’s package, giving the European champions a significant advantage in the negotiations. The club are determined not to miss another elite young player after the effect of Rodri’s move this summer, and Florentino Perez’s board are pushing hard to beat their rivals to Gabriel.
Barcelona press sporting pathway
Barcelona remain firmly in the race despite the gap in financial terms. Sporting director Deco has stepped up contacts after Gabriel and his family travelled to the city last week.
Deco also met the player’s representative, Ali Barat, on Saturday as Barcelona set out their plan for the teenager, who will turn 16 on October 6.
The Catalan club’s case is built around football rather than money. Barcelona are offering Gabriel a swift route towards first-team involvement and believe their possession-based approach suits his profile.
Gabriel is regarded as a technically gifted player who can control the ball in advanced areas around the opposition box. Barcelona feel those qualities fit naturally within their established style.
Agent links could matter
Gabriel has shown a clear personal affection for Barcelona in recent years and has regularly been seen in the club’s shirt. That attachment could yet prove important as Madrid attempt to turn their stronger financial proposal into an agreement.
Barat’s relationship with Deco has also become closer. The agent is expected to take up a new advisory role for Barcelona captain Raphinha, while he has existing connections in Madrid after appearing in the Santiago Bernabeu boardroom for Denzel Dumfries’ presentation.
For now, Barat is gathering the offers before presenting them to Gabriel and his family. The next decision will rest with the player’s camp, with Barcelona hoping their sporting project and Gabriel’s preference can overcome Madrid’s superior bid.
