Manchester United in talks to keep academy forward JJ Gabriel
The 15-year-old has indicated he wants to leave after concerns over his career path and limited senior opportunities, according to BBC Sport.
Manchester United are trying to persuade academy forward JJ Gabriel to remain at the club after the 15-year-old indicated he wants to leave, BBC Sport reports.
Chief executive Omar Berrada and football director Jason Wilcox are involved in talks over Gabriel’s future. The reported dispute centres on claims that promises about his career path were not honoured, although those claims have not been independently established.
Gabriel was named Premier League Under-18 Player of the Year last season after scoring 23 goals in the competition and three in the FA Youth Cup. He recently scored a hat-trick on his Uefa Youth League debut and made an eight-minute senior appearance against Atletico Madrid in pre-season.
Real Madrid, Barcelona and Paris St-Germain are reportedly monitoring the situation. Gabriel’s Manchester United registration is understood to run until the end of the season, and he turns 16 on 6 October.
United coaches have previously suggested Gabriel may not yet be physically ready for regular senior football. His limited opportunities, including his omission from the club’s relevant Champions League player list, have fuelled questions over his route into the first team.
Gabriel’s European Union passport could affect any potential move, while United could receive no training compensation in some circumstances. His preferred destination, the timing of any transfer and whether he ultimately leaves remain unclear.
