JJ Gabriel heads to Barcelona as future speculation grows

JJ Gabriel, a 15-year-old Manchester United forward, has travelled to Barcelona as speculation grows over his next step. BBC Sport reports that he has told the club he wants to cancel his registration with immediate effect, prompting the move.

Travel as top clubs watch

The outlet says Gabriel left the UK on Thursday, went via France, and is now in Barcelona. At the same time, BBC Sport notes that Real Madrid have a firm interest, while Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona are also believed to be keeping tabs on the youngster.

There’s also a legal and timing angle to the situation. If Manchester United keeps his registration, it would block him from joining another English club until the end of the season. However, if he secures an EU passport through either his father—an ex Republic of Ireland international—or his mother, who has Greek-Cypriot heritage, he could move to an EU club when he turns 16 on October 6.

Youth competition and frustration

BBC Sport adds that Gabriel hasn’t trained with United since scoring a hat-trick on 10 September on his UEFA Youth League debut. Tournament rules mean he can’t play for a different side in this season’s competition.

The report also states that sources close to Gabriel were furious United didn’t register him for their Champions League opener against Sabah FK, a match United won 4-0 with Michael Carrick’s team.

Asked again about the player at a Friday news conference ahead of Sunday’s Premier League game against Fulham, United boss Michael Carrick urged caution, saying it’s important not to “play anything out here” and that the club should be sensible while prioritising the boy’s wellbeing. Gabriel, meanwhile, will not be involved against Brentford on Friday.