# Deco Shuts Down Gabriel Links: Barca Can Keep Their Hands Off Our Talent

Right, let’s set the record straight here. Barcelona sporting director Deco has come out publicly denying any interest in our young talent JJ Gabriel, and frankly, good riddance to the speculation.

The Catalan giants have been sniffing around plenty of clubs lately, but Deco was quick to dismiss any talk of a move for the Manchester United teenager. Now, whether this is genuine or just tactical talk ahead of a potential future move, we all know how Barcelona operate. They love a good tap-up, don’t they?

Here’s the thing though: why would we even entertain letting a promising youngster head to the Camp Nou? We’ve seen what happens when clubs like Barcelona come calling with their supposed prestige and financial mess. They’re hardly the force they once were, struggling in La Liga and barely scraping through in Europe.

Under Michael Carrick’s guidance since May, we’re building something proper at Old Trafford. The gaffer has shown he trusts youth, we’ve got Harry Amass and Shea Lacey in the first team picture already, and the pathway from academy to senior squad is clearer than it’s been in years. With Omar Berrada steering the ship as CEO and Jason Wilcox handling the technical side under INEOS ownership, there’s a genuine long-term vision here.

Gabriel is part of that future, simple as that. We don’t need to be a feeder club for Barcelona or anyone else. The days of United being raided for talent should be long gone.

Let Deco deny it all he wants. The message from our end should be crystal clear: our academy prospects aren’t for sale, especially not to clubs still dining out on past glories while we’re rebuilding ours properly.

✍️ This summary was written by the MUFC Fanatics SA team based on reporting from BBC Sport.

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