Manchester United could face a significant financial blow following reports that JJ Gabriel has asked to have his contract terminated. The teenage starlet refused to attend training this week amid speculation over a potential first-team appearance, with reports suggesting the club could receive a mere six-figure sum should they lose the gifted forward.
Overseas move would slash compensation
The Daily Mail reports that Gabriel and his family have long harboured ambitions of a move to Spain, with Real Madrid and Barcelona amongst the interested parties, though a transfer outside England could leave United severely out of pocket.
According to the Manchester Evening News, the club would receive approximately £300,000 from an overseas move, while a domestic transfer would command a considerably higher fee.
Irish passport opens European route
Gabriel holds an Irish passport, making him eligible to sign for a European club at the age of 16, a milestone he will reach within weeks. Under current regulations, English players cannot move abroad until they turn 18, but domestic transfers between professional clubs can prove highly lucrative.
This was demonstrated when Liverpool forked out at least £2.8million to Chelsea for a then 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha two years ago.
United blindsided by request
United were reportedly blindsided by Gabriel's desire to cut short his time at the club. Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich, alongside the Spanish heavyweights, are believed to be monitoring Gabriel closely, leaving United facing a race against time to retain their prized asset before he turns 16.
Senior figures at Old Trafford remain uncertain about what prompted his request to leave the club, though alarm bells first rang when he removed all references to United from his social media accounts last week.
First-team breakthrough cut short
Gabriel has established himself as a regular in first-team training under Michael Carrick and made his senior debut against Atletico Madrid in pre-season. The teenager would have become the fourth youngest Premier League debutant had he featured against Hull City on the opening day of the campaign.
However, their loss and the nature of that match prevented such an opportunity, while the 5-2 triumph over Ipswich also presented a suitable chance.
