Manchester United are set to receive clarity on JJ Gabriel's future now that the youngster has turned 16. Gabriel is celebrating his birthday today, which means as an EU passport holder, he will be allowed to agree a deal with a club within the European Union, provided a move is approved under FIFA's strict rules.
Request to leave submitted
It is understood that a request to move away was submitted as Gabriel's representatives wanted the teenager to make his first-team debut against Sabah in the Champions League, when he was not included in the squad United submitted to UEFA, feature against Brighton in the Carabao Cup and then Bournemouth in the Premier League. United had planned to give Gabriel his debut against Brighton, but his camp submitted a request to leave before that game. The then 15-year-old would have become the youngest player in United's history had he played that night.
Gabriel has trained in Castelldefels, Barcelona, over the last few weeks while uncertainty over his future has rumbled on. Real Madrid and Barcelona have held talks about signing Gabriel, despite Barcelona's sporting director, Deco, recently downplaying his side's interest in the teenager. Madrid and Barcelona are aware of how sensitively Gabriel's situation must be handled, given the rules on signing Under-18 players, and the saga raises the possibility that United will explore their legal options.
Interested clubs and compensation
Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain are also interested in signing Gabriel, but if the teenager is to move abroad, United will only be due a small training compensation to cover his time spent at the academy, which is likely to be in the region of £100,000 to £300,000, with a fee of around £250,000 mooted in some circles. Former West Brom youngster Louie Barry left the Hawthorns for Barcelona on a free transfer after FIFA ruled that the Baggies hadn't offered the teenager a scholarship deal. United can offer such terms to Gabriel from today and are expected to do so to ensure they meet the requirements for compensation.
The club acquiring Gabriel's registration will have to submit the request to FIFA and prove it can fulfil obligations regarding football development, education provision, and the player's welfare, although such matters are seen as a formality, especially given the size of the clubs involved. It is thought that Gabriel's camp wouldn't have pushed for a move if they weren't confident they could overcome the red tape.
Key role of super agent
Super agent Ali Barat is playing a key role as Gabriel's camp explores a move away. Barat, founder of Epic Sports, is a growing force in the agency world, having brokered some of football's biggest transfers over the last few years.
