FC Bayern appears to have suffered a setback in the transfer saga surrounding JJ Gabriel. The Munich club has been closely monitoring the 15-year-old attacking prodigy from Manchester United and is said to have already held initial talks. However, there are currently several indications that Gabriel will not be moving to Germany.
As reported by the Spanish newspaper SPORT, the youngster and his representatives have concluded that a move to Spain would be the best step for his future development. This would give FC Barcelona and Real Madrid a decisive advantage over other interested clubs at the moment.
Gabriel himself is said to be particularly interested in a move to FC Barcelona. However, the transfer is far from decided, as Real Madrid remains a strong contender as well.
Bayern has already made a move for Gabriel
This news is particularly interesting for FC Bayern. The Munich club has been monitoring Gabriel for some time and is said to have made personal contact with his entourage as early as February 2026. At the academy, the attacking player is considered one of the most exceptional talents of his age group.
Sports director Christoph Freund also recently confirmed that Gabriel is known to the German record champions. “We know the player because he is very, very talented—an exceptional talent. But I can’t say more than that,” the Austrian explained.
When asked about any current contact, however, Freund replied: “Not at the moment.”
Most recently, reports from England had sparked new speculation. According to these reports, the young player’s entourage is already considering a departure from Manchester United. Bayern was mentioned as a potential suitor alongside the two Spanish powerhouses and Paris Saint-Germain.
Spain currently appears to be ahead of Bayern
The latest news from Spain now suggests that Bayern isn’t currently in the best position in the race. Gabriel is said to favor Barcelona, while Real Madrid is trying to win him over—and his entourage—with a financially attractive offer.
This suggests a showdown is looming, particularly between the two top Spanish clubs. According to the report, however, a final decision has not yet been made.
For Bayern, the main priority is likely to remain in contact with the player’s camp behind the scenes. The fact that the Munich club took an early interest in Gabriel shows just how highly they rate his potential.
A transfer of the 15-year-old would, in any case, be subject to special legal requirements due to his age. Gabriel will not celebrate his 16th birthday until October 6.
Currently, however, according to SPORT, the trend suggests he is unlikely to move to Munich. Should Gabriel and his entourage maintain their view that Spain is the best option for his development, Bayern would have to convince both Barcelona and Real Madrid that a different career path is the right one.