JJ Gabriel could cost interested clubs a reported £8.5million (€10m) to prise him away from Manchester United after the teenager expressed a desire to leave Old Trafford over his lack of first-team opportunities. Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain are among the clubs said to be monitoring the 16-year-old after recently holding meetings with him and his agent.
Family stick to plan after first-team snub
Gabriel featured during pre-season, with his family hoping he would begin making the step up to senior football this campaign. There had been expectations that he would play at least 20 minutes in the Champions League fixture against Sabah and the Carabao Cup clash with Brighton, before potentially making his Premier League debut on October 25.
The player's representatives are also understood to have made four requests to United, including assurances over the number 77 shirt and permission for him to have 'Gabriel JR' printed on the back. However, the situation took a different turn.
Training alone in Barcelona
Gabriel has since become the subject of growing controversy and is training alone in Barcelona as he looks to secure first-team football elsewhere. Although Barcelona sporting director Deco has denied the club's interest in Gabriel, the teenager has previously travelled to Barcelona to hear a proposal from the Catalan side.
With several other major European clubs also monitoring his situation, it is understood that he first visited France before travelling to Spain for meetings.
Reported demands and compensation
Spanish outlet Sport has now revealed further details of discussions with Barca, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and PSG, including the reported demands made by Gabriel's family and super-agent Ali Barat. It is claimed that any club hoping to sign the youngster would need to pay a minimum of £8.5m.
The proposed package reportedly includes a three-year contract worth more than €1m (£850,000) per season, agent commissions, compensation for his family, and a payment to United. Should Gabriel sign a pre-contract agreement elsewhere, United could be due just £300,000 in compensation for the highly-rated teenager.
Gabriel's only current connection to United is his Premier League youth registration, which can only be cancelled with the agreement of all parties involved. That means United, the player and his parent or legal guardian must all give their consent before the registration can be terminated.
Gabriel turned 16 on October 6 and holds a European Union passport, meaning he could be eligible to join a club within the EU. However, any potential move would still require FIFA approval, with strict regulations in place governing international transfers involving players under the age of 18.
