Deco Denies Barcelona Move for Manchester United Teen JJ Gabriel
Barcelona sporting director Deco has dismissed suggestions that the club are readying a move for Manchester United teenager Gabriel, insisting there is currently no Barcelona involvement in the 15-year-old’s situation.
Key takeaways
- Deco said Barcelona have not taken steps towards signing Gabriel and need clarity on his circumstances before discussing any young player.
- Gabriel has asked to leave Manchester United, but the club have refused his request to be deregistered.
- The forward, who joined United at 11, is out of contract when the season ends.
- He can appoint legal representation after turning 16 on October 6 and holds an Irish passport which could support a move to Spain.
- Chelsea are leading the interest from England, although their academy registration restriction would prevent a deal being completed before January.
United face academy standoff
Gabriel’s family believe United are no longer keeping pace with leading development programmes at Arsenal, Manchester City, Bayern Munich, Barcelona and Real Madrid. They want the youngster to continue both his education and football development in what they see as the strongest possible environment.
United, however, are determined to keep the attacker despite his request to be removed from registration. The club have had Gabriel in their system for four years and are now facing a sensitive period before his 16th birthday.
His absence from recent senior squads has added to the tension. Gabriel was not selected for the Champions League win over Sabah, which ended 4-0, nor for the 3-2 Carabao Cup defeat against Brighton.
Carrick urges patience as options emerge
Manager Michael Carrick has called for care in handling the player’s future amid increased attention on the academy prospect. Carrick said Gabriel is still a young boy and that public exposure and scrutiny must be managed sensibly, with the player’s welfare the priority.
The situation comes during a difficult domestic run for United’s first team. While Barcelona have publicly distanced themselves from an approach, Gabriel’s Irish passport could make a Spanish move more straightforward if he chooses to leave England.
If he instead wants to stay in the country, Chelsea are the leading domestic contenders. Their current ban on academy registrations means any move would have to wait until January.
