Barcelona Deco says club not interested in Man Utd Gabriel

JJ Gabriel told Man Utd he wanted to leave earlier this month, and Barcelona sporting director Deco announced the Catalan club has no interest in signing the 15‑year‑old Manchester United teenager. The comment was made at a news conference in the Spanish city after Gabriel travelled there following his request to depart Old Trafford.

Gabriel, fifteen, flew to Barcelona after informing United of his wish to quit Old Trafford earlier this month. The move underscored the teenager’s determination to explore options beyond the English capital.

European giants line up for the prodigy

Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Paris St-Germain are among the clubs reportedly keen on securing his signature. Their interest highlights the huge market for young talent, even when the player is still in the academy phase.

“There’s nothing to say about this boy,” Deco said at the press event. “It’s normal we always have players linked with us. There’s a huge market for that, even when they are young. We are not interested in any player in his situation.”

Deco declares Julián Álvarez past as Barcelona shift focus

Gabriel has not trained with United since scoring a hat‑trick on his UEFA Youth League debut on 10 September. Tournament regulations prevent him from playing for another side in this season’s competition, limiting his immediate options.

Eligibility could open EU doors

If he obtains an EU passport through his father, a former Republic of Ireland international, or his mother, who has Greek‑Cypriot heritage, Gabriel could join a club in the EU when he turns sixteen on 6 October. Deco added that Barcelona would first need to understand the situation before taking any action.

United manager Michael Carrick urged people to be “careful and sensible” about the amount of exposure and scrutiny given to the youngster. He warned that excessive attention could hinder the teenager’s development.