Manchester United's JJ Gabriel Trains in Barcelona Amid Transfer Speculation
The 15-year-old prodigy, reportedly seeking to leave Old Trafford, has been working with a private coach in Spain, though Barcelona denies interest.
Manchester United's highly-rated academy player JJ Gabriel has been training privately in Barcelona, raising questions about his future at the club. Gabriel, a 15-year-old often compared to Lionel Messi, made headlines last month when his family requested he be allowed to leave Old Trafford.
United has rejected this request and is aiming to convince Gabriel and his entourage, particularly his father Joe O'Cearuill, that his long-term development should continue at the club. Gabriel's existing contract is set to expire at the end of the current season.
The decision to train in Barcelona is notable, even though the Catalan club has stated they are not pursuing the young player. According to the Manchester Evening News, Gabriel has been working with private coach Jack Hunter at the British School Stadium in Castelldefels.
He has not been seen at Manchester United since scoring a hat-trick on his UEFA Youth League debut in early December. Gabriel, who turns 16 on October 6, will soon be eligible to appoint an agent and potentially join a foreign club using his Irish passport.
Barcelona's sporting director Deco has publicly stated that the club is not interested in Gabriel. "We are not interested in any player in his situation," Deco said. "I'm not sure what's happening, and if he's still a Manchester United player. We are not involved in that."
A source close to Gabriel's family indicated that Manchester United is currently perceived as being significantly behind top European clubs like Barcelona, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and domestic rivals Arsenal and Manchester City. The family reportedly desires Gabriel to "learn from the best" to maximize his potential.
Gabriel has been part of the Manchester United academy since the age of 11 and is considered one of Europe's most promising young talents. He was expected to sign a scholarship deal upon turning 16, which would have led to a professional contract at 17, but his departure now appears likely.
Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick emphasized that Gabriel's well-being is the priority. "He's a young boy, JJ," Carrick commented. "I think the exposure and the scrutiny and everything, you've got to be careful and be sensible and think of him as much as anything. So the situation will work itself out, whatever way it's going to work itself out. Making sure he's okay is the important thing."