Barcelona Step Up Chase for Manchester Unitedโs 15-Year-Old Wonderkid JJ Gabriel โ But United Fight to Keep Him
Barcelona are reportedly intensifying their pursuit of Manchester Unitedโs rising academy sensation JJ Gabriel, with the Spanish giants believed to be monitoring the 15-year-old closely as his future at Old Trafford remains uncertain.
Sources in both England and Spain suggest that Barcelona have been tracking Gabrielโs progress for months and are now preparing to push harder in an attempt to lure him to La Masia โ a pathway that has produced talents such as Lionel Messi, Gavi and Lamine Yamal.
But Manchester United are not sitting still.
United Working to Secure a New Contract
United view Gabriel as one of the most exciting prospects to emerge from their academy in recent years. Following a series of standout training performances and glowing reports from senior players, the club is said to be prioritising a new agreement to keep him in Manchester long-term.
Insiders claim United have already opened discussions with the playerโs camp, determined to show that he has a clear pathway into the first team under Ruben Amorim. With interest from European heavyweights growing, Unitedโs intention is to convince Gabriel that his future is best built at Old Trafford.
Why Barcelona Want Him
Barcelona are known for identifying elite talent early, and reports indicate that scouts have been hugely impressed by Gabrielโs maturity, technical ability, and explosiveness in attacking positions. At just 15, his performances at youth level โ and his reputation for shining in training alongside older players โ have caught the attention of Barรงaโs recruitment department.
The Spanish clubโs long-term strategy includes securing top prospects before their value skyrockets, and Gabriel fits that model perfectly.
A Tug-of-War Brewing
For now, both clubs appear committed to their respective plans:
- Barcelona aim to convince Gabriel that La Masia is the best environment to elevate his development.
- Manchester United are determined to protect one of their brightest homegrown talents and ensure he follows the pathway set by stars like Rashford, Garnacho and Mainoo.
Observers believe the next few months will be crucial, as Gabriel becomes eligible for different types of contracts once he reaches his next age milestone.
What Happens Next?
The situation is expected to develop quickly. If United succeed in renewing him, they secure a future first-team prospect with immense upside. If Barcelona manage to turn his head, it would be seen as a major coup in the European talent market.
One thing is clear:
JJ Gabriel has already become one of the most talked-about teenagers in European football โ and the battle for his signature has only just begun.
