Barcelona dismiss interest in United’s 15‑year‑old wonderkid

Barcelona sporting director Deco told the Catalan club are not interested in signing 15‑year‑old JJ Gabriel from Manchester United, who has formally requested to cancel his registration after travelling to Spain for talks.

Barcelona’s clear stance

Deco said, “There’s nothing to say about this boy… we are not interested in any player in his situation.” He added that the market often links young players with the club, but Barcelona will not intervene in Gabriel’s case.

The sporting director stressed that Barcelona need to understand the situation before taking any action, confirming the club’s policy of staying out of teenage transfer negotiations.

United’s options and rival interest

Gabriel, who asked to leave United last week, submitted a formal notice to cancel his registration, prompting speculation about his next destination.

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reported he travelled to Spain, with both Real Madrid and Barcelona presented as viable options, while Premier League rivals Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City have also been linked with the prodigy.

Gabriel’s future and family pressure

Gabriel recently scored a hat‑trick for United in the UEFA Youth League, a performance that prompted club legend Ryan Giggs to label him a ‘generational talent’.

His family are reportedly seeking to have his contract terminated, and United executives Jason Wilcox, Omar Berrada and Sir Jim Ratcliffe are in discussions about how to retain him.

United remain hopeful of buying time to resolve the issue, but Gabriel is pushing for a new challenge as quickly as possible.

Man United’s board is aware of the growing pressure, and Old Trafford officials say they will continue to monitor the situation closely. Getty