Deco shuts down Barça interest: JJ Gabriel not a target from United

Barcelona sporting director Deco said the club has no interest in JJ Gabriel, the 15-year-old at Manchester United. Speaking at a news conference, he insisted the Blaugrana won’t get involved in cases like the youngster’s until the situation is properly understood.

Gabriel told Manchester United he wanted to leave Old Trafford earlier this month, and then travelled to Spain. He has not trained with United since scoring a hat-trick on his UEFA Youth League debut on 10 September.

Youth League rules and eligibility

Tournament rules stop him from playing for another club in this season’s competition. However, if he secures an EU passport by turning 16 on 6 October—through his father (a former Republic of Ireland international) or his mother (Greek-Cypriot heritage)—he could join an EU club. Deco added: “There’s nothing to say about this boy… We are not interested in any player in his situation.”