Man United are still trying to repair their relationship with JJ Gabriel, but the teenager now appears increasingly likely to take the next step of his career away from Old Trafford.
Gabriel formally asked to leave United in September and wants his registration cancelled so he can choose a new club.
The request caught the club by surprise, particularly because officials believed they had drawn up a careful route towards senior football for one of their brightest academy talents.
The winger trained with the first team during pre-season and was given a brief outing in a friendly against Atlético Madrid.
He was also included in United’s squad photograph, although that image was apparently taken before his family informed the club that he wanted out.
Gabriel remains registered with United and attempts have been made to settle the dispute. However, he has not trained with the club since the split emerged and there has been no breakthrough in talks.
|
JJ Gabriel’s youth record at Man Utd |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Man United level |
Appearances |
Goals |
Assists |
|
Under 18s |
38 |
31 |
4 |
|
Under 21s |
2 |
2 |
2 |
|
UEFA Youth League |
1 |
3 |
0 |
|
Total |
41 |
36 |
6 |
Sky Sports report that United still believe Old Trafford is the right place for him, but an exit is now regarded as the more likely outcome.
The situation became even more important when Gabriel turned 16 on Tuesday.
His reported Irish passport could provide a route to joining a club in the EU, subject to the required approval, and several of the continent’s biggest clubs are now circling.
United could also consider legal action if a rival attempts to use the rules surrounding his registration to secure a deal.
Man United face JJ Gabriel blow as Chelsea offer stuns camp but teenager favours Europe
Chelsea have been working to keep Gabriel in England, and TEAMtalk journalist Graeme Bailey claims the Stamford Bridge club have made a huge impression on those around the player.
Gabriel’s camp are said to have been blown away by the potential offer from Chelsea.
No English suitor appears better placed than the Blues, whose ambitious recruitment of elite young talent makes their interest no surprise.
However, Chelsea may still miss out.
The same report says Gabriel currently wants to continue his development overseas if he completes his United exit.
That has placed Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich and PSG at the centre of a major fight for his signature. Real and Barcelona have already spoken to the player’s side, while interest from Bayern and PSG is also gathering pace.
Barcelona have attempted to cool the public noise around a possible deal, but TEAMtalk maintains that the Spanish giants remain firmly involved.
What JJ Gabriel is doing to leave Man United
Super agent Ali Barat has now reportedly been brought in to help Gabriel and his family assess the options available.
There is also a desire to identify his next club within the coming weeks rather than allow the saga to drag deep into the season.
For United, the prospect of losing Gabriel would be a painful setback for an academy that prides itself on giving young players a route into the senior side.
Club officials can point to his pre-season involvement and the individual programme created for him, but Gabriel’s camp clearly wanted faster progress.
Chelsea’s interest shows just how highly the youngster is rated, yet their impressive pitch may not be enough to alter his thinking.
Unless United produce a late solution, the battle now looks set to be fought by Europe’s superclubs, with Gabriel leaning towards a fresh start abroad.
