Barcelona lose ground in race for JJ Gabriel as Manchester United delay exit – report

Barcelona lose ground in race for JJ Gabriel as Manchester United delay exit – report Manchester United have blocked the immediate departure of 16-year-old prospect JJ Gabriel, complicating Barcelona’s efforts to sign one of European football’s most sought-after young attackers. Indeed, as per reports relayed by SPORT , the Blaugrana are now starting to lose ground in the race for the 16-year-old English prodigy. Meanwhile, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain are also monitoring the situation, with the transfer potentially costing between €10 million and €15 million and a resolution possibly delayed until the January transfer window. Manchester United refuse to release JJ Gabriel According to the report, Manchester United are refusing to release Gabriel despite the youngster’s reported desire to move elsewhere. The Premier League giants have retained his registration, preventing him from severing ties with the English side immediately. In demand. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images) The decision could push negotiations into the winter transfer window in January. Any eventual move would also involve the payment of the training compensation stipulated by law. Gabriel has attracted significant interest from several leading European clubs, including Barcelona, who view the teenager as a prospect with considerable long-term potential. As such, his contractual situation has become a key factor in determining where he continues his development. Barcelona losing ground Barcelona are among the clubs interested in securing Gabriel’s signature. The youngster recently visited the Catalan capital, where he followed an individual training programme while the possibility of a transfer was being explored. However, the operation has become more complicated because of the financial demands surrounding the deal. Barcelona remain committed to recruiting promising young players but are unwilling to enter a bidding war to secure Gabriel. As such, Barça are believed to have lost ground in the race for the transfer the total cost of which could reach between €10 million and €15 million – a substantial sum for a player of Gabriel’s age. Financial demands could force Barcelona out of the race. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) This could could benefit Real Madrid and PSG, who are working towards reaching an agreement before January. Despite the financial obstacles, the report suggests that Gabriel may favour Barcelona’s sporting project . Whether that preference proves decisive remains uncertain, particularly with Manchester United refusing to facilitate an immediate departure and rival clubs continuing to pursue the teenager. Barcelona must balance potential against price Gabriel’s preference for Barcelona could offer the Catalan club an advantage, but it will count for little if Real Madrid and PSG are prepared to move faster or meet the financial demands. A potential outlay of €10 million to €15 million for a 16-year-old represents a significant commitment, even for a player viewed as an exceptional prospect. Therefore, Barcelona should remain attentive to the opportunity without abandoning their financial discipline.