Barcelona take firm JJ Gabriel transfer stance

JJ Gabriel is 16 and has the opportunity to leave Manchester United for an overseas outfit now.

The highly-rated youngster asked to leave the club in September and has been negotiating his options.

Despite his age, the finances involved in any deal could be lucrative for JJ Gabriel and his family.

However, a move abroad could only spell nominal compensation for Manchester United – after all their efforts looking to secure the youngster’s allegiance.

The likes of Real Madrid, Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich have been the key names involved, all looking to strike a deal.

However, Barcelona, a club famed for their youth development, are looking to take a firm stance during negotiations.

The Blaugrana club will not enter any auction or bidding war to sign the 16-year-old, and will instead hope to convince him with the club’s sporting project, while other clubs such as Real Madrid or PSG are willing to put much higher financial amounts on the table, reports Spanish outlet SPORT.

The club that produced Lionel Messi are looking to put their ambition on the table, rather than bags of cash.

It’s a sensible approach, but may not secure them the services of JJ Gabriel, who is departing Manchester United despite the club’s high position in world football.

Real Madrid are one club not afraid of throwing money about, as is the same for UEFA Champions League holders Paris Saint-Germain. They will see the signing as an investment, with excellent potential for return.

Barcelona’s rivals Real appear to be pushing hard to land the youngster, after reportedly making an approach for his services.

While he remains a Manchester United player officially, JJ Gabriel is all but gone. What comes next is a decision over where he will end up, in a search to become one of Europe’s hottest attacking prospects.