JJ Gabriel's race intensifies between Barcelona and United

The striker JJ Gabriel has flown to the Catalan City to negotiate his signing with Barça, while this week sending a formal notice to United to cancel his registration. His arrival coincides with the opening of face-to-face talks with the Catalan executives.

Negotiations in Barcelona

According to reports, the youngster is already in Barcelona to discuss in person the terms of his possible joining the Catalan club. The notice Gabriel sent to United this week aims to trigger his departure as a free agent, despite still having years of development left at Carrington. Barça, which has been one of the most talked-about signings of the season, is holding talks without having issued an official statement.

Gabriel has amassed 20 goals in 22 matches with United's Under‑18 side last season and scored a hat‑trick against Sabah in his UEFA Youth League debut this season. He can play as a centre‑forward, attacking midfielder or winger on either flank, and his one‑on‑one ability has attracted scouts' attention for months.

United's response and other suitors

Manchester United, for its part, is considering contesting the request the player himself submitted earlier this week to leave the club with immediate effect. The English side is reviewing the legal steps required to try to retain his registration before the situation is resolved, aware of the sporting and image blow that losing its top prospect would represent.

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The interest is not exclusive to Barça. Days earlier, several reports pointed to Real Madrid as the favourite destination, citing Gabriel's family's closeness to the white club. Outside Spain, Chelsea and Bayern Munich have also inquired about his situation, although none have reached as advanced a contact as the Catalan side.

Gabriel's age makes the deal a delicate matter: any agreement must respect FIFA's rules on the signing of minors and training compensation. This forces interested clubs to proceed cautiously, despite the urgency imposed by the calendar.

Neither Barcelona nor United have made an official statement about the player's trip to Catalonia. The clash between the two Spanish giants shows how contested a young prospect's exit can be, while legal procedures and international regulations remain unresolved.