Paul Merson says Manchester United will be 'gutted' to lose JJ Gabriel to Real Madrid as he 'could have been a superstar' at Old Trafford. The 16-year-old has reached a verbal agreement to join Real Madrid in January after walking out on United earlier in the season.
Gabriel's United Exit and Real Madrid Move
Gabriel, who was branded the 'best 15-year-old in Europe' last year, was expected to become Manchester United's youngest player in the Carabao Cup in September. But the club decided to delay his introduction to first-team football and Gabriel's representatives immediately removed him from United and began looking elsewhere for opportunities.
PSG and Bayern Munich both expressed interest in signing one of the most highly-rated youngsters in world football but Real Madrid have seemingly won the transfer race. Bernabeu bosses have not contacted United to discuss the situation but Gabriel, who turned 16 last month, has verbally agreed to join Real Madrid in January.
Merson's Verdict on the Transfer
Merson believes Manchester United will be 'gutted' to lose such a top talent but understands Gabriel's desire to play for Madrid.
'This kid's a good player,' the former Arsenal and England winger told Sky Sports. 'He's a very good player. 'He could have been a superstar so Manchester United will be gutted. I think this rule's got to change. I think it's because his mum and dad have got an Irish passport that he's allowed to go abroad.'
'And I think that needs to change. Manchester United have worked on this kid, made him the player he is. Obviously, he'd have been gifted at the same time. 'Don't get me wrong, but this needs to be done. The thing is, he's going to Real Madrid. I said Manchester United are one of the biggest clubs in the world. 'He's going to the biggest club in the world. The biggest club. So it's not like there's not a player in the world who wouldn't go to Real Madrid.'
Rule Change Calls and Comparisons
Merson also highlighted a broader issue, referencing a similar case at Liverpool. 'You ask any player who's playing in the Premier League, everybody, if Real Madrid come for you, it's very rare you turn Real Madrid down. 'So, great opportunity for the kid, but I still think that rule might have to change. Otherwise, this ain't, this is not the first time it's going to happen. 'You got to remember, look at Rio Ngumoha, who's at Liverpool. He was at Chelsea two years ago he left Chelsea. 'So it happens. It happens. It will happen all the time. But I think that rule's got to change, in my opinion. 'Just give these academies a chance where they're putting a lot of hard work just for someone to go, I'm leaving now.'
As Merson referenced, Gabriel secured a European Union passport which will make it easier for him to sign for a club outside England. Gabriel, a forward who can play across the front-three, was named the Premier League Under-18 Player of the Season last year.
Manchester United have endured a dismal start to the season but will hope to gain some momentum following an incredible comeback win against Roma on Tuesday.
