PSG are reportedly among the clubs chasing JJ Gabriel, but the latest clues do not exactly point the Manchester United wonderkid towards Paris. Just two days before his 16th birthday, the young Englishman is currently training near Barcelona, while his family are said to have had a special connection with the Catalan capital for years. These developments are seriously strengthening the Barcelona possibility.
The JJ Gabriel saga could soon enter a decisive phase. Considered one of the biggest talents of the 2010 generation, the Manchester United forward wants to leave his boyhood club. PSG, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and FC Barcelona are all reportedly interested. However, several recent developments appear to be moving the youngster further away from the Paris option. According to the Manchester Evening News, the 15-year-old is currently training individually in Castelldefels, near Barcelona, with specialist coaches and his private trainer Jack Hunter. Gabriel has not trained at Manchester United’s Carrington base for more than two weeks after asking to leave the Red Devils.
Gabriel’s Barcelona connections are growing
His presence in Catalonia does not necessarily mean an agreement with Barcelona is already in place, but the location inevitably raises questions with several European giants competing for his signature. Another detail could be even more significant: according to the Manchester Evening News, Gabriel and his family are regular visitors to Barcelona, while his family have reportedly long dreamed of seeing him wear the Blaugrana shirt. Barça even welcomed the youngster for a tour of their facilities in 2024, when Gabriel notably met Lamine Yamal. However, sporting director Deco has publicly insisted that Barcelona are not involved in the race, saying the club are not interested in a player in his situation.
PSG therefore remain firmly in contention. Several British sources, including Sky Sports, have reported that Paris are monitoring Gabriel alongside Barcelona, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and several English clubs. Yet unlike the Spanish contenders, there have been no recent clues directly linking Gabriel with a move to PSG. His extended stay in Catalonia, individual training sessions in Castelldefels and his family’s reported affection for Barcelona currently point more towards Spain. Real Madrid should not be overlooked either, with the Spanish giants reportedly working actively in recent weeks to strengthen their position in the race.
October 6, Gabriel’s 16th birthday, could become a key date. His Irish passport is particularly important because his EU citizenship could allow him to join a club within the European Union from the age of 16, despite international rules normally restricting transfers involving minors. However, that does not mean he will automatically become free from his commitments to Manchester United. The Red Devils still hold his registration and have rejected his request to terminate his agreement, meaning the Premier League could eventually be required to settle the dispute. PSG remain on alert, but as the case approaches an important turning point, the latest clues currently lead more towards Barcelona than Paris.
