Manchester United have reportedly tabled a scholarship contract to JJ Gabriel, despite the player's representatives requesting his registration be terminated. Gabriel, who celebrated his 16th birthday on October 6, has not returned to Carrington since submitting his request to leave the club.
The young forward has instead spent the past three weeks working with a private coach in Castelldefels, Catalonia. Both Barcelona and Real Madrid have entered into discussions over a potential move for Gabriel, with Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain also keeping a close eye on the situation.
Compensation and legal considerations
United are weighing up legal action should the teenager depart. That prospect now appears increasingly likely, despite early hope that a compromise may be found.
The Guardian reports that United have formally lodged a scholarship contract offer with the player. It is understood that had they failed to do so, Gabriel could have moved to another Premier League club at no cost in January.
Domestic rivals would now be required to enter negotiations with United in the usual manner. As is typically the case when the most coveted academy talents switch between English clubs, a Professional Football Compensation Committee tribunal determines the fee if the two parties cannot agree on a figure.
Potential fee and EU passport question
United would apparently be looking to receive in excess of £3million, plus a 20% sell-on clause. Should Gabriel move abroad, however, United would walk away with considerably less.
The club would be owed approximately £350,000 based on official FIFA compensation rates for a Category I academy. Players from England are typically barred from switching clubs before turning 18, following Britain's departure from the European Union.
Gabriel, however, could potentially make such a move if he holds an EU passport, though it remains uncertain whether he currently possesses the necessary documentation.
Family background and Barcelona response
His father, Joe O'Cearuill, earned two caps for the Republic of Ireland national side, qualifying through his Irish mother, and also has a Trinidadian father. Gabriel's mother has Cypriot roots, providing the youngster with two possible pathways to EU passports.
Barcelona sporting director Deco addressed speculation surrounding Gabriel during the September/October international break. The former Chelsea player said: "There's nothing to say about this boy, it's normal we always have players linked with us. There's a huge market for that, even when they [players] are young.
"We are not interested in any player in his situation. I am not sure what's happening, and if he's still a Manchester United player. We are not involved in that.
"First of all, we need to understand how the situation is before we try to do something, and to speak about young, teenage players, it is not our business."
