Deco says Barcelona is not involved in JJ Gabriel’s situation

Barcelona sporting director Deco said the club is not involved in Manchester United teenager JJ Gabriel’s situation and is not interested in a player in his position, distancing the Spanish side from reports linking it with the 15-year-old. Deco said Barcelona needed to understand the circumstances before considering any action. The remarks, made to journalist Ben Jacobs, come amid reports that Gabriel may leave Manchester United and has drawn interest from major European clubs. No transfer agreement or offer is established in the available reporting, and Gabriel has not been quoted directly about his plans. Deco said it was common for young players to be linked with Barcelona and that he did not know exactly what was happening or whether Gabriel remained a Manchester United player. He also said discussing teenage players was not the club’s business. His comments addressed Barcelona’s reported interest, rather than confirming what Gabriel or his family intends to do. Reports have also associated Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid with the teenager. Those links, like the Barcelona speculation, have not been confirmed as a formal approach or agreement.