JJ Gabriel’s Manchester United exit is edging closer, with the 15-year-old and his representatives in Barcelona for talks over a possible move to the Catalan club.
The forward has attracted attention from several Premier League sides, as well as Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich. His camp has formally asked United for permission to leave, despite the club remaining hopeful of persuading him to stay until his contract expires at the end of the season.
Gabriel and his representatives requested that he be de-registered after United’s 5-0 UEFA Youth League victory over Sabah last Thursday. Gabriel scored a hat-trick in that match.
He has not trained with United since making the request and was not included in any of England’s youth squads announced on Friday. Gabriel most recently represented England at Under-17 level.
There is a belief that he could move to a European club after turning 16 on October 6 if he obtains a European passport through either of his parents. Any transfer would, however, require approval from Fifa.
United head coach Michael Carrick has urged caution in the way the situation is handled, stressing the need to protect the teenager from unnecessary scrutiny.
“I think he’s a young boy, JJ, and I think it’s important that we certainly don’t play anything out here,” Carrick said.
“I think the exposure and the scrutiny and everything, you’ve got to be careful and be sensible and think of him as much as anything, so the situation will work itself out, whatever way it’s going to work itself out. Making sure he’s okay is the important thing.”
Former England midfielder Paul Merson said Gabriel’s departure would be a significant blow to United, while suggesting the teenager may be seeking an immediate first-team opportunity after seeing other young players make an impact.
“First of all, he’s an unbelievable talent. The problem now is with the lad and probably his agents and his family – I don’t know him so I’m only thinking from the outside,” Merson said.
“It’ll be a massive blow for Man Utd. Believe me, this kid is an unbelievable talent. They’ll have every club in the world wanting him.”
