Real Madrid have emerged as a strong contender for Manchester United academy prospect JJ Gabriel, with a number of Europe’s biggest clubs also tracking the highly rated teenager.
According to BBC Sport on Thursday, the 15-year-old has formally asked Manchester United to cancel his registration with immediate effect. The club, however, has the option to contest the request.
Gabriel, who will turn 16 on October 6, has attracted attention from Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich and Chelsea. Real Madrid are reportedly showing particularly strong interest and want to secure the forward as soon as possible, with plans to place him in Real Madrid Castilla, the club’s reserve team.
Castilla compete in Spain’s senior football structure and currently play in the country’s regionalised third tier, offering a different route into senior football from the academy system in England.
Sources close to Gabriel claim the teenager and his representatives have become frustrated with Manchester United, believing promises regarding his progression towards the first team have not been fulfilled. United are still hoping to convince him to remain at Old Trafford but are understood to be unclear about the exact reasons for his decision.
Gabriel is currently not training with the club.
United had reportedly considered giving the teenager the opportunity to become their youngest-ever senior player in the EFL Cup clash with Brighton. However, they suffered a 3-2 defeat after surrendering a two-goal advantage.
Carrick, who gave Gabriel his senior debut in a pre-season fixture against Atletico Madrid in Stockholm, called for restraint when asked about the teenager’s situation.
READ ALSO:EPL: Maresca Tells Man United To Adapt Ahead Derby
“I just think we’ve got to be really careful of the whole situation,” Carrick said after the Brighton game.
“He’s a young boy. He’s 15, and for me, definitely, and from a club point of view, looking after our younger players – their welfare, their well-being, their exposure – we’ve got to be really conscious of that in this situation.”
People close to Gabriel have dismissed concerns over his age and physical development, citing Arsenal teenager Max Dowman’s senior debut at 15 as evidence that young players can be trusted at first-team level.
Real Madrid face competition for Gabriel’s signature, with Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich and Chelsea also maintaining interest in the player.
Any immediate departure from Manchester United could nevertheless face regulatory hurdles because of rules governing the registration and transfer of young players.
United’s position is that Gabriel remains registered with the club until the end of the season, potentially making a move easier after the campaign when he will have turned 16.
His EU passport could also allow him to join a club within the European Union once he reaches that age.
For now, Gabriel’s next move remains unresolved, as Manchester United seek to keep one of their most highly regarded academy players despite growing interest from several prominent European clubs.