Barcelona sporting director Deco has responded to speculation linking the club with Manchester United youngster JJ Gabriel, insisting that the Spanish giants are not “interested in any player in his situation”. The 15-year-old has informed United of his intention to depart the club, with his family said to believe the club has fallen behind their competitors and that his progression would benefit from a move elsewhere.
Breakthrough season at Old Trafford
Gabriel has turned heads with a series of outstanding displays for United's academy teams and drew significant interest during pre-season after being brought into Michael Carrick's first-team environment. However, he is yet to make his senior breakthrough.
There had been plans for Gabriel to make his first-team debut against Brighton in the Carabao Cup, only for him to be omitted from the squad in the aftermath of his departure request. United have less than a fortnight to resolve the situation before he turns 16 on October 6, when he will become eligible to be legally represented by an agent.
European interest emerges
The forward will also be able to sign for a foreign club using his Irish passport. Earlier this week, reports from Spain suggested Gabriel could be poised for a switch across Europe, with Barcelona and Real Madrid among the clubs reportedly keen on securing his signature.
It was also suggested that Gabriel and his representatives had already made the trip to Spain, with visits to both Madrid and Barcelona, and the United youngster reportedly having reached a 'first major agreement' to sign for one of the two clubs rather than pursue other options.
Deco's response
Deco has now responded to the speculation, emphasising that Barcelona would first need to clarify the situation before contemplating any potential approach.
“There's nothing to say about this boy, it's normal we always have players linked with us,” Deco told journalist Ben Jacobs. “There's a huge market for that, even when they [players] are young.
“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.”
“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.”
Contract and compensation concerns
United officials remain uncertain about what has driven Gabriel to pursue a move away from the club he joined aged 11. The youngster made his UEFA Youth League bow against Sabah last Thursday and celebrated the milestone with a hat-trick as his meteoric rise through the academy ranks continued.
The Old Trafford hierarchy are refusing to cave in to the demands and rip up the youngster's existing contract, which runs until the end of the season. Should United terminate the agreement, they could pocket as little as £300,000 in compensation, despite Gabriel potentially being valued at millions of pounds in years to come.
There is also the chance that Gabriel could lodge an appeal with the Premier League or FIFA in a bid to force his exit from United. Gabriel has been away from the club for the last fortnight and his departure now seems ever more probable, although United have made clear that the youngster's welfare remains their top priority.
