Barcelona Sporting Director Deco Denies Club Is Pursuing Manchester United Teenager JJ Gabriel

A report said Gabriel had travelled to Barcelona for talks, although Deco subsequently said Barcelona was not involved in his situation.
TEAMtalk reported that Gabriel submitted formal notice seeking the immediate cancellation of his Manchester United registration.
Chelsea was also reported to be interested in Gabriel, alongside Barcelona and Real Madrid.
United CEO Omar Berrada and sporting director Jason Wilcox were personally trying to resolve the situation, according to TEAMtalk.
Michael Carrick urged caution in discussing Gabriel publicly, saying the club had to consider the scrutiny on the teenager and make sure he was okay.
Barcelona sporting director Deco has flatly denied that the club is pursuing Manchester United teenager JJ Gabriel, saying Barcelona is not involved in the situation and does not recruit teenage players. The denial comes as the 15-year-old Gabriel seeks to leave Manchester United and has formally requested the cancellation of his registration with the club.
Gabriel's departure push has attracted attention from several European clubs, including Chelsea and Real Madrid, according to TEAMtalk. Manchester United CEO Omar Berrada and sporting director Jason Wilcox are personally working to resolve the situation, while manager Michael Carrick urged caution about discussing Gabriel publicly to protect the teenager's wellbeing.
Deco stated clearly that Barcelona is not involved in Gabriel's situation and does not pursue teenage players. The comments directly contradict reports that Gabriel had travelled to Barcelona for talks. Deco emphasized that recruiting youth prospects is simply not how Barcelona operates in the current market.
TEAMtalk reported that Gabriel has submitted formal notice seeking immediate cancellation of his Manchester United registration. The 15-year-old's push to leave represents a significant challenge for United, which has rejected his request and is working hard to persuade him to stay. The club is simultaneously preparing contingency plans in case his departure becomes inevitable.
Multiple elite European clubs have begun monitoring Gabriel's situation as his future at Manchester United grows uncertain. Chelsea and Real Madrid have reportedly expressed interest in the teenager, creating a competitive landscape for his services. Gabriel's emergence as a flight risk highlights the growing challenge facing Manchester United in retaining young talent amid external interest.
Manager Michael Carrick appealed for discretion in handling Gabriel's situation, urging the club and media to consider the intense scrutiny facing the 15-year-old. Carrick emphasized that Manchester United must prioritize Gabriel's mental health and wellbeing during this uncertain period. His comments suggest the club is taking a measured approach to resolving the standoff with its promising young player.
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