JJ Gabriel is now considered highly likely to leave Manchester United, with transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano estimating that the 16-year-old has a 95 per cent chance of departing Old Trafford.
United have continued efforts to repair their relationship with Gabriel and his family, but a move to Spain is increasingly viewed as the most probable outcome.
Real Madrid and Barcelona remain in contact
Real Madrid and Barcelona are still pursuing the teenager, while interest from Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich is understood to have cooled.
Romano said on his YouTube channel that United had only a small chance of changing the situation, adding: “At the moment, I would say 5%, but 95% is for JJ Gabriel to go. Probably to La Liga, as I always told you.”
He said Real Madrid and Barcelona were the two clubs continuing to speak regularly with Gabriel’s representatives and family as they assess whether a deal can be completed.
“It’s the most likely now because, also, Paris Saint-Germain [has gone] cold, also Bayern [has gone] cold,” Romano said. “But Real Madrid, Barcelona, these are the two clubs who keep talking on [a] regular basis with JJ Gabriel’s camp and trying to understand if they can make it happen.”
The proposed move is not straightforward, however. International transfers involving players under 18 are subject to strict FIFA rules, meaning Gabriel’s family circumstances and eligibility for a European passport will be significant factors.
United have offered Gabriel a scholarship deal and could receive compensation of about £350,000 if he eventually joins a European club, according to a report in The Guardian.
Should the relevant requirements be met, United face losing one of their most highly rated academy players to Real Madrid or Barcelona for a relatively small fee, despite their attempts to persuade him that his future remains at Old Trafford.
