Fabrizio Romano reveals Man Utd are ‘fighting’ to keep ‘fantastic’ youngster wanted at Barcelona

Manchester United are hustling to maintain their hold on the future of their academy’s crown jewel, JJ Gabriel.Thanks to his sensational talent, the 15-year-old has been burning through the stages of his development. Despite being only 15, he already plays for Man Utd’s U18 team.Last weekend, Gabriel put Liverpool U18 to the sword, leading the young devils to a shocking 7-0 victory by scoring a superb hat-trick. One of our 7 goals against the scousers today. JJ Gabriel hattrick. pic.twitter.com/NyiPCgWrb9 — Scott Patterson (@R_o_M) November 29, 2025Barcelona keeping close tabs on Man Utd wonderkid JJ GabrielAfter that eye-opening performance, several European clubs have either registered their admiration towards the player or consolidated their already-existing interest. Several rumours claimed that Barcelona are particularly keen to poach the young English player.On Wednesday afternoon, Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano shed some light on the situation through a video posted on his official YouTube channel.The transfer market expert confirmed the Blaugrana’s interest in Gabriel. However, he revealed that the Catalan giants are only one of several suitors vying for the player.This also includes a top Premier League club that already tried to acquire the attacker’s services last summer, but to no avail, as Man Utd’s Football Director Jason Wilcox had managed to convince Gabriel and his entourage of the club’s project.Romano, who describes the teenager as a ‘fantastic gem’, insists that the Red Devils will do everything within their power to keep him within Carrington’s walls.Can Man Utd maintain Gabriel amidst growing pressure?Due to his tender age, Gabriel isn’t allowed to sign a professional contract that legally binds him to the club for years to come, which leaves United in a vulnerable spot. Gabriel’s stats in U18 Premier League Appearances Goals Assists 25/26 10 10 1 24/25 3 3 0 Nevertheless, with the young striker making leaps and bounds over the past few years, one would imagine that he and his family wouldn’t want to jeopardise his development by moving him elsewhere.In addition to Wilcox, Ruben Amorim has also taken Gabriel under his wing, even inviting him to take part in the first team’s training sessions and photo shoots, hinting that a promotion to the senior squad might ensue sooner than expected.