JJ Gabriel is already in Barcelona to negotiate his signing
The 15-year-old player has prioritized the offer from the azulgranas
JJ Gabriel, a 15-year-old forward from Manchester United, is in Barcelona as discussions progress with both Barcelona and Real Madrid regarding a possible signing. The player has requested to leave the English club, and his future may be decided after October 6, when he turns 16. The Barcelona transfer market is speeding up to finalize negotiations in the coming hours.
JJ Gabriel travels to Barcelona with United awaiting his departure
This week, JJ Gabriel requested the cancellation of his registration with Manchester United to become a free agent. The English club still has the player registered, and his contract is valid until the end of the current season, but the sports management is trying to convince him to stay.
The move happened shortly after JJ Gabriel scored three goals against Sabah in the Youth League on September 10. Manchester United won 5-0, and the forward set a record as the youngest player in the club to score a hat-trick in this competition.
The situation had already shifted during the preseason. Gabriel even featured with the first team and made his debut in a friendly against Atletico Madrid, but his presence in official call-ups this season fell short of his expectations and those around him. Sky Sports indicates that the player wanted more involvement with the first team.
🚨 JJ Gabriel is in Barcelona for talks.
— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) September 18, 2026
Barcelona and Real Madrid viewed as the most viable contenders if Gabriel goes abroad. pic.twitter.com/3V0AGGugCX
Barcelona progresses in the signing of JJ Gabriel
JJ Gabriel's trip to Barcelona coincides with the advancement of discussions between the player, his family, and the Catalan club. Sky Sports reports that Barcelona and Real Madrid are negotiating for the player, while PSG and Bayern Munich are also interested.
Barça is not the only Spanish club involved in the deal. Real Madrid had already shown interest and is in talks for the forward, so the signing has not yet been finalized. Gabriel's presence in Barcelona, however, puts the Catalan club in an active phase of an operation that may change in the coming weeks.
Recent performances explain part of the interest. During the 2025/26 season, JJ Gabriel scored 20 goals in 22 matches in the Premier League U-18 and was chosen as the best player of the season in that category by Manchester United. Also, his appearance in the Youth League added another three goals to his tally for this season.
The key date to resolve the signing
The next crucial point will be October 6 when Gabriel turns 16. His Irish and Cypriot ancestry may facilitate obtaining European documentation, a significant factor for a potential move from the UK to a continental club post-Brexit.
Reports from England also mention a potential compensation for Manchester United of around £300,000 if they indeed lose the player under the described scenario. The sum is not for a conventional transfer but a possible training compensation.
Currently, JJ Gabriel remains linked to Manchester United, but his trip to Barcelona and talks with Barça and Real Madrid signal a decisive phase in the operation. October 6 may mark the next step in determining where he will continue his career.
This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, JJ Gabriel ya está en Barcelona para negociar su fichaje