Manchester United’s sought-after teenage sensation JJ Gabriel has been training in Barcelona as he continues his push to depart Old Trafford.
The 15-year-old submitted a request to leave United last month, asking for the immediate cancellation of his contract. The Red Devils, however, refused to comply, and the dispute shows no signs of resolution, with United determined to retain a player widely considered one of the most talented young prospects in world soccer.
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Since submitting his departure request, Gabriel has been based in Spain, keeping himself in shape by training in Barcelona with private coach Jack Hunter at the British School Stadium in Castelldefels, according to The Manchester Evening News.
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Gabriel and his family are frequent visitors to Barcelona and are eager to pursue a potential move to the Camp Nou, while Real Madrid are also believed to be among his admirers.
“There’s nothing to say about this boy,” Barcelona sporting director Deco said at the Portugal Football Summit this week, via The Mirror. “It’s normal that players are linked with us. It always happens. There’s a huge market for that with a lot of interests involved, even when [players] are young.
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“But we are not interested in any player in his situation. I’m 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. To speak about young, teenage players, it is not our business.”
Gabriel is set to turn 16 next week, though he cannot sign professional terms with any club until he reaches 17. United manager Michael Carrick recently called for restraint regarding Gabriel’s future.
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He said: “I’ll just repeat what I said [earlier this week]: he’s a young boy, it’s important we don’t put anything out here, the exposure and scrutiny we have to be careful.
“We have to be sensible and think about him. The situation will work itself out.”
Prior to requesting his departure, Gabriel had been widely expected to break into the first team under Carrick, with a Carabao Cup fixture against Brighton and Hove Albion penciled in as his likely debut — a match United ultimately lost 3-2 despite leading 2-0 courtesy of goals from Shea Lacey and Mason Mount.
Ultimately, Gabriel was omitted from the squad entirely, with his most recent appearance for the Red Devils coming in a 5-0 UEFA Youth League victory against Sabah last month.
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