Barça moves forward with Raphinha and nears the signing of JJ Gabriel
In a room at the Camp Nou, Deco, sporting director of Barça, met on Saturday, September 19, with Ali Barat, agent awarded the Golden Boy 2023, to discuss the future of the young Englishman JJ Gabriel while sealing the extension of Raphinha's contract until 2030.
Ali Barat, sports journalist and Raphinha's agent, also represents JJ Gabriel. In 2023 he received the Golden Boy award for best agent, and founded the agency Epic Sports, which manages the career of the young Manchester United prodigy.
Raphinha's Agent Change
Deco had been the agent who brought Raphinha to the Camp Nou from Leeds in July 2022. After taking over the club's sporting direction, the Brazilian was left without representation and his first task with Barat will be to finalize the extension of his contract.
On Saturday, September 19, Deco and Barat met in Barcelona and the central topic was JJ Gabriel. That same day, the sporting director announced the extension of Raphinha's link until June 30, 2030, after the renewal signed in 2025 that would have expired in 2028.
JJ Gabriel's Future
JJ Gabriel, Manchester United's 15‑year‑old gem, will turn 16 on October 6 and, according to his family and Barat, will not sign a new contract with the English club. Four teams are competing for his signature: Barcelona, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and PSG, although his entourage has conveyed the player's preference to continue developing in Spanish football.
Saturday's meeting is interpreted as a sign that JJ Gabriel is close to signing for Barça, although the deal is not yet concluded. The good chemistry between Barat and Deco, in addition to sharing an agent with the first‑team captain, creates a favorable scenario for the Catalan club in the final stretch of the market.
Barat is not acting alone; according to sources, he has maintained recent contacts with Real Madrid and Bayern, indicating that Barcelona is not negotiating on its own. The rivals' competition adds financial pressure to the signing process.
October 6, the date when Gabriel's destination is expected to be known, will decide whether the proximity to Raphinha and stability at Barcelona outweigh the rivals' financial offer. That day will set the course for one of the continent's most coveted prospects.