FC Barcelona are always keeping a close watch on promising young prospects coming through the ranks across the globe.
With Deco and Joao Amaral, the Blaugrana have made it a point to swoop in sign talented prospects at an early stage of their careers so as to nurture them at La Masia.
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The strategy has seen the Catalans sign the likes of Ajay Tavares, Hamza Abdelkarim, Jesse Bisiwu, and Josue Caicedo, among several others in recent times.
Another player who the La Liga champions admire greatly happens to be JJ Gabriel of Manchester United.
And, in a major development, Nathan Salt of the Daily Mail now reports that Gabriel has asked to leave Manchester United.
JJ Gabriel wants to leave United. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)
Just 15 years old, the young attacker is widely regarded as the biggest prospect emerging out of the Manchester United academy.
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There had been speculations about his future earlier this year, but the Red Devils stepped in and convinced him to stay put at the club.
However, days after scoring a hat-trick for Manchester United in the UEFA Youth League against Sabah, becoming the youngest player to do so, Gabriel has now informed the club that he wishes to leave.
Barcelona are long-term admirers of Gabriel, with the report confirming that the Blaugrana have been trying to convince him to make the switch for over several years now.
Barcelona have been tracking Gabriel. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images)
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The fact that he possesses an Irish passport means that the teenager can leave Manchester United for another club in Europe the moment he turns 16, making an exit a strong possibility.
The Red Devils, for their part, have been left stunned by the development, but remain hopeful of turning the situation around.
After all, Gabriel has been earmarked as a future first-team player at Old Trafford, with there having been plans to include him the senior squad for tomorrow’s Carabao Cup game.
It remains to be seen how the situation unfolds, but should the 15-year-old push for an exit, Barcelona could be ready to pounce on a player that they have admired for long.
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