Manchester United prospect JJ Gabriel's representatives made a series of demands to the club before requesting the teenager's exit from Old Trafford last month. The academy prodigy recently turned 16 and could be on his way out after asking for his registration to be cancelled.
While the Red Devils rejected the request, Gabriel could still secure a move abroad if he holds a European passport through either parent. United appeared to have already mapped out a clear route to the first team for the gifted youngster, who had been on course to become the club's youngest-ever player.
United's Efforts to Retain Gabriel
The Manchester Evening News reported that United had previously gone to considerable lengths to retain Gabriel's services, including arranging a meeting with then-first team boss Ruben Amorim and an introduction to Sir Alex Ferguson. The club told Gabriel he could become the future face of the club and he was regularly involved in training under Michael Carrick, featuring for the senior side during pre-season.
A full debut had seemed a matter of when rather than if, before Gabriel's camp submitted the request to leave. The youngster has since been linked with leading European clubs, though no official move has yet materialised.
Demands Made by Gabriel's Camp
Having already turned 15 before this year's cut-off date, Gabriel is eligible to feature in the Premier League this season. He could also have appeared for Carrick's side in both the Carabao Cup and Champions League, but was omitted from the club's A list in the latter competition, ruling him out of the victory over Sabah.
ESPN reports that United had accepted Gabriel's request to be handed the No. 77 squad number this season. The Red Devils also petitioned the Premier League to permit the 16-year-old to wear 'Gabriel JR' on the back of his shirt on his behalf.
After scooping the U18 Premier League Player of the Season award last term, Gabriel began the new campaign by continuing to progress through the club's academy ranks. While awaiting his senior bow, the attacking midfielder notched two goals and two assists across two U21 outings and also bagged a hat-trick for the U19s against Sabah in the UEFA Youth League.
Training and Game Time Expectations
Gabriel notably featured during pre-season and was handed an unofficial debut in a friendly against Atletico Madrid. However, his camp reportedly made it clear that a place in first-team training was expected.
Sky Sports reports that Gabriel was instructed by his family not to return to Carrington alongside the club's other U21 players at the start of pre-season. The first team squad were due back a week later and returning at the same time as other academy players was viewed as unacceptable for the teenage prodigy.
The Manchester Evening News reported that Gabriel's representatives believed the emerging talent should feature for at least 20 minutes across United's fixtures against Sabah, Brighton and Bournemouth, a request which was snubbed. Gabriel was unable to take part against Sabah in the Champions League after being left out of the A squad, but had been tipped to appear against Brighton in the Carabao Cup. Meanwhile, United are due to meet Bournemouth in the Premier League on October 25.
It is claimed that Gabriel's camp had pinpointed the three fixtures and wanted the 16-year-old to be handed playing time before entering discussions over a scholarship agreement. He would still have become the club's youngest-ever player in the Brighton cup clash but the request to terminate his registration was submitted ahead of the match, resulting in Gabriel being omitted from the matchday squad.
Wage Demands and Future Options
Gabriel could have signed a pre-contract with United upon turning 16, with professional contracts permitted after a player's 17th birthday. However, Bayern Munich are among several clubs, including Real Madrid and Barcelona, to be linked with the teenager after his request to leave Old Trafford.
The Times reports that the German outfit are keen on Gabriel but unwilling to satisfy the seven-figure wage demands. As United have declined to terminate Gabriel's contract, he is prevented from joining another English club until next summer but could choose to move overseas if he possesses a European passport.
