Deco dismisses Barcelona interest in Manchester United prospect JJ Gabriel
Barcelona sporting director Deco has ruled out any interest in JJ Gabriel, Manchester United’s teenage prospect, dismissing reports that linked the Spanish club with a move for the 15-year-old. Gabriel has already told Manchester United he wants to leave Old Trafford, and his situation has been watched closely around Europe.
Speaking to Ben Jacobs, Deco addressed the rumours directly. He left little doubt about where Barcelona stand.
Barcelona sporting director clarifies position on teenager’s contract dispute
Deco was blunt when asked about Gabriel by name.
“There’s nothing to say about this boy, it’s normal we always have players linked with us,” he said, before turning to the wider market for talented teenagers. “There’s a huge market for that, even when they [players] are young.”
Pressed further on United’s specific situation, he was just as direct.
“We are not interested in any player in his situation. I am not sure what’s happening, and if he’s still a Manchester United player. We are not involved in that,” Deco said.
He also set out Barcelona’s general approach to signing academy players who are still under contract elsewhere.
“First of all, we need to understand how the situation is before we try to do something. And to speak about young, teenage players, it is not our business,” he added.
His comments, carried in a Manchester Evening News report, close down suggestions of a Barcelona move for now.
Michael Carrick’s setup affected as pathway for young talent pauses
JJ Gabriel had been working under Michael Carrick with the first team throughout pre-season, training and travelling with the senior squad despite his age. He was pencilled in to make his senior debut against Brighton in the Carabao Cup, a landmark moment for a player still under 16.
That debut never happened. Manchester United left Gabriel out of the squad once his wish to leave became clear, and Carrick’s pathway for one of the club’s most promising academy players has effectively paused. We have seen United fast-track young players before, but rarely at such a young age or with a Carabao Cup debut already pencilled in.
Gabriel’s talent was never in question. He scored a hat-trick on his UEFA Youth League debut against Sabah, the kind of performance that explains why he was pulled into first-team training so early. For more on how Carrick is shaping his squad this season, read our latest Carrick news and tactics update, and for background on the club’s youth pipeline, see our piece on United academy developments.
October deadline approaches for Gabriel’s decision and potential compensation
The JJ Gabriel Manchester United saga now hinges on his 16th birthday on October 6. From that date, Gabriel becomes eligible for legal representation by an agent for the first time. He also reportedly holds an Irish passport, which would let him join a club outside England without needing a work permit.
If Gabriel’s contract at Old Trafford is eventually terminated, United’s compensation would be limited under the rules that cover young players. That would be a modest return for a player rated highly enough to train with Carrick’s first team before turning 16. Deco’s comments make clear Barcelona are not driving that outcome, whatever happens next with Gabriel’s future at United.
