FC Barcelona are prepared to make one of the biggest youth transfers of recent years, with sporting director Deco ready to pay a phenomenal 50 million euro fee to bring 15-year-old JJ Gabriel to Camp Nou.
The Catalan giants have been pursuing a policy of youth in recent seasons and have benefited greatly from their investments in the development of their own academy La Masia, with Lamine Yamal Pau Cubarsi, Xavi Espart and many more breaking through in the first team.
However, they are now looking to add to their stocks of homegrown talent, and Deco has been on the lookout for potential signings from other clubs’ youth academies.
JJ Gabriel, a 15-year-old midfielder, has drawn the interest of Barcelona after displaying extraordinary skill and maturity at Manchester United’s youth setup. The club’s scouting network has even ranked the youngster as a ‘must-buy,’ and the club has been willing to unlock its vast finances in order to capture the teenage sensation.
According to the reliable David Ornstein, Barcelona are racing to secure the talented youngster's signature and are prepared to submit a staggering €50m offer to Manchester United. Signing a 15-year-old for 50 million euros is an astonishing sign that Barcelona are serious about investing heavily in youth. This is money well spent for a club that has struggled to balance its books in recent seasons.
Although there are limitations on international transfers for underage players, a large chunk of the 50 million-euro fee would go directly to Manchester United. There may also be incentives and bonuses for both clubs, as well as an agreement for the player to sign a professional contract when he reaches the legal age to do so in Spain.
While United are said to have great interest in the young star, it remains to be seen whether their valuation of JJ compares to Barcelona’s asking price. The Red Devils have a strong youth-academy system and would almost certainly have ambitions of convincing Gabriel to sign a professional contract with them directly.
However, linking up with the likes of Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsi at Barcelona could provide the 15-year-old with an opportunity to progress faster: an enticing prospect for both player and club. If Deco can convince Manchester United to sell their star prospect, then the transfer would certainly go down as one of the most remarkable of the season.
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