JJ Gabriel’s “emotional” reaction to Man United exit speaks volumes as Barcelona eye raid next summer | OneFootball

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JJ Gabriel is the jewel of Manchester United’s academy, with his remarkable rise inevitably catching the attention of Europe’s elite – but the youngster’s reaction to a potential departure from Old Trafford last summer has now been revealed.

The Rising Star

Despite only turning 15 at the start of last season, Gabriel was the under-18s’ standout player as Darren Fletcher’s side finished second in the U18 Premier League North and reached the finals of both the FA Youth Cup and Premier League Cup.

And while the Red Devils ultimately fell short in all three competitions, Gabriel was crowned the Premier League Under-18s Player of the Season. He recorded 26 goals and four assists in 29 appearances, functioning as United’s attacking heartbeat.

JJ Gabriel Stats: 2025/26 Season

With his 16th birthday fast approaching in October, the Enfield native is primed to make history as the club’s youngest ever debutant this season. He was ineligible to do so last year, as Premier League and FA rules mandate that players must be at least 15 on or before 31 August to feature in top-flight or U21 competitions – with Gabriel just 14 twelve months ago.

Michael Carrick included ‘Kid Messi‘ as part of the first-team squad’s pre-season tour, leading to an uncompetitive debut in the 2-1 win over Atletico Madrid earlier this month. Against a top Champions League side, he looked, naturally, like a boy amongst men, lacking the same physicality which has allowed Max Dowman to burst onto the scene for Arsenal.

However, Gabriel scored a superb goal in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Sheffield Wednesday this week, demonstrating his ability to succeed against more senior opposition.

“Gabriel began the move, playing a one-two down the left, before losing his marker with a piece skill. That allowed the youngster to fashion a yard of space in the box, and a player of his ability rarely misses from such close proximity,” the Manchester Evening News reveals.

“The 15-year-old should have no problem stepping up to the U21s this season. Gabriel is also expected to make his senior debut, but the conversation around his future will grow louder as the campaign progresses.”

Eyed by Europe’s Elite

Gabriel will be eligible to sign scholarship terms with Manchester United when he turns 16 in October. This would not prevent the possibility of him leaving next summer, however, leading the club to “put a pre-contract in place for professional terms”, according to TEAMtalk.

The list of suitors vying for Gabriel’s signature is said to be “extraordinary”, with Spanish rivals Real Madrid and FC Barcelona joined by German giants Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund in the race. He is understood to be of particular interest to Barcelona.

Closer to home, Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester City and Liverpool are all “very much in the picture”, though it is Chelsea who are said to be leading the charge to bring him back to London.

The Manchester Evening News claims United’s hierarchy have “done everything they can to demonstrate a pathway” for the teenager to thrive at the Theatre of Dreams. But until pen is put to paper on a professional contract, his future in M16 remains up for debate.

Final Thoughts

Nonetheless, Gabriel’s reaction to a potential departure last summer – the report reveals he was “emotional at the prospect of leaving a club he loves representing” before deciding to stay – offers hope that one of England’s most exciting talents will remain at England’s biggest club for the long term.