PSG were quickly named among the clubs interested in JJ Gabriel, but the Manchester United wonderkid’s situation has taken another twist. With the 15-year-old forward reportedly considering leaving the Red Devils, he is currently in Barcelona, according to Spanish newspaper AS. His presence in Catalonia has inevitably attracted attention, with PSG, FC Barcelona, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich all reportedly tracking the highly rated English youngster.
The situation has accelerated considerably in recent days. According to Sky Sports, JJ Gabriel has asked Manchester United to cancel his registration so that he can leave the club, with the player and his entourage reportedly considering his time at United to be over. Manchester United, however, have not given up hope of keeping their prospect and are still trying to convince him to continue his development at the club, while the process required for his departure remains complicated. United manager Michael Carrick has declined to fuel the speculation, instead stressing the importance of protecting a 15-year-old player from the growing media attention surrounding his future.
Could JJ Gabriel’s Barcelona trip worry PSG?
That is now the main question. AS reports that JJ Gabriel is currently in Barcelona, with the Catalan club among the teams interested in signing him. His presence in the city does not necessarily mean that negotiations with Barça are underway, and no agreement has been reported at this stage. However, in such a fiercely contested race, the trip is certain to be closely monitored by the other interested clubs, including PSG. Barcelona are not Paris’s only competition either, with The Guardian reporting that Real Madrid are also very active in the race, while Bayern Munich have regularly been linked with the youngster.
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PSG therefore remain in the race, but there is currently nothing to suggest that Paris are JJ Gabriel’s preferred destination. Competition across Europe is expected to be intense for one of Manchester United’s most highly rated young players. Gabriel will turn 16 on October 6, and his age, his situation at Manchester United and the regulations governing international transfers involving minors remain crucial factors in the case.
One trend nevertheless appears to be emerging: JJ Gabriel reportedly wants to leave Manchester United. The major question is now where he will go next. PSG were quick to spot a potential major opportunity, but with Barcelona, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich also monitoring the situation, Paris will face huge competition if they hope to sign the English wonderkid.
