Deco distances Barcelona from Manchester United teen JJ Gabriel amid elite European scramble

Barcelona sporting director Deco has publicly distanced the club from reported interest in Manchester United academy prospect JJ Gabriel, a 15-year-old widely regarded as one of the most coveted teenagers in European football. Speaking to journalist Ben Jacobs, Deco said Barcelona are not involved in the matter and would need to understand the full picture of Gabriel’s registration situation before considering any approach.

The comments arrive as speculation around Gabriel’s future intensifies. Reports from GiveMeSport claimed the youngster had already visited Barcelona for transfer talks, while Christian Falk, writing in his CF Bayern Insider column, named Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona and Real Madrid as the clubs showing the strongest interest. Falk also reported that a decision has already been made within Gabriel’s camp that he will leave Manchester United.

Deco’s language was notably guarded. He acknowledged it is normal for Barcelona to be linked with promising teenagers given the attention such players attract, but stressed the club are not interested in any player in Gabriel’s current situation and remain unclear on the specifics of his registration at Old Trafford. No bid, agreement or completed transfer has been reported by any outlet.

The most significant date in the saga is 6 October, when Gabriel turns 16. According to Falk, that milestone makes him eligible to be represented by an agency — specifically the Epic agency — a threshold that is expected to shape whatever move follows. The reported interest from Bayern, PSG and Real Madrid underlines that no single club has emerged as a clear frontrunner.

Barcelona’s caution is consistent with how the club has handled similar situations recently. Their signing of Jesse Bisiwu illustrated a preference for moving only once a prospect’s circumstances are fully resolved. Deco’s remarks do not close the door entirely, but they firmly push back against any suggestion that a deal is imminent or that Barcelona are leading the chase.