JJ Gabriel is continuing to keep up his fitness levels away from Manchester, having last trained at Carrington almost three weeks ago.
According to Manchester Evening News, the youngster is doing individual work with a private coach in Castelldefels, Barcelona.
𝗔𝗖𝗔𝗗𝗘𝗠𝗬 𝗡𝗢𝗧𝗘𝗕𝗢𝗢𝗞 📝
🔺 Gabriel training in Barcelona
🔺 Moorhouse's cruel injury blow
🔺 Big moment for Thwaites
🔺 Extension due for Amass#mufc https://t.co/nMgkP7ucNP— Steven Railston (@StevenRailston) October 1, 2026
JJ Gabriel: The state of play
The report adds that Barcelona are now in prime position to sign the Manchester United starlet, despite Sporting Director Deco claiming they had no interest in bringing him to the club.
“There’s nothing to say about this boy. It’s normal we always have players linked with us. There’s a huge market for that, even when they [players] are young,” said Deco.
JJ Gabriel's stats at Manchester United:
U18s:
38 games
31 goals
4 assistsU21s:
2 games
2 goals
2 assistsUYL:
1 game
3 goals pic.twitter.com/JZm0js46d5— utdreport (@utdreport) September 15, 2026
“We are not interested in any player in his situation. I am not sure what’s happening, and if he’s still a Manchester United player. We are not involved in that.
“First of all, we need to understand how the situation is before we try to do something. And to speak about young, teenage players, it is not our business.”
However, Gabriel’s family are said to have always dreamed that he would play for the Catalan giants, which is why Real Madrid’s attempts to negotiate a deal have failed to materialise just yet.
Gabriel’s United career looks as good as finished
The 15-year-old told United of his desire to leave with immediate effect after he watched fellow academy prospects Harry Amass and Shea Lacey, both 19, come off the bench to make their Champions League debuts against Sabah.
Gabriel, hailed as an ‘absolutely outrageous’ talent by Micah Richards, had been chomping at the bit since pre-season to get first-team minutes under his belt, so was growing in frustration with each missed opportunity.
United had set aside the Carabao Cup opener at home to Brighton and Hove Albion for the attacker to make his maiden appearance, but he ruled himself out of any involvement by refusing to train with the squad.
JJ Gabriel scores at Old Trafford ⭐
Just what Man United fans love to see!
📺 TNT Sports and HBO Max pic.twitter.com/3Tdn3Mm9zC
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 17, 2026
When he turns 16 on October 6, he can legally be represented by an agent and will be able to join a foreign side using his Irish passport.
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