JJ Gabriel could still remain at Manchester United despite wanting to leave the club, with European football journalist Kevin Hatchard explaining that his age makes any immediate transfer difficult.
JJ Gabriel is turning 16 next week and can be represented by an agent, boosting his chance to move abroad. He requested Manchester United to cancel his registration and since then has not trained with the club.
The Manchester United youngster enjoyed an outstanding season with the club’s youth teams, scoring 26 goals before adding a hat-trick in the UEFA Youth League. Shortly afterwards, reports emerged that Gabriel wanted to leave Old Trafford, and he subsequently travelled to Spain for talks over a possible move.
Barcelona and Real Madrid have been mentioned as potential destinations, although Barcelona sporting director Deco has played down the club’s involvement.
Kevin Hatchard stressed that does not necessarily mean Barcelona or other major European clubs will ignore Gabriel once he becomes eligible to move.
Europe’s biggest clubs aware of JJ Gabriel situation
“I think he can’t have a proper agent until he’s 16 either,” Hatchard said as quoted by TalkSport.
He pointed out that Barcelona, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain will all be aware of Gabriel and the opportunity surrounding a player of his talent, even if they cannot openly pursue him at this stage.
“They can’t be seen to be making a move for a player that young,” Hatchard explained.
The Bayern example is particularly interesting. The German giants brought Jamal Musiala to the club from Chelsea when he was 16, and he has since developed into a major player for them.
That does not mean Gabriel should follow exactly the same route. For Hatchard, the bigger question is what environment will give the teenager the best chance of developing.
That could still mean remaining at Manchester United, particularly if the club can convince Gabriel and his family that there is a clear pathway towards senior football.
Gabriel and his family face a major decision
Hatchard believes the decision cannot simply be based on the reputation of whichever club comes calling.
Gabriel and his family will have to consider whether he is ready to move to another country, handle the pressure that comes with joining a giant club and, most importantly, find regular opportunities to develop.
“If I back myself to make it through to the first team, if that isn’t going to happen, can I get loan moves and get miles on the clock?” Hatchard asked.
He pointed to Musiala once again, stressing that the Bayern star did not simply walk into the first team after moving from Chelsea. His development took time and included the club’s campus system.
For Gabriel, the same principle applies. A move to Barcelona, Real Madrid, Bayern or PSG may sound attractive, but being at a famous club does not automatically guarantee first-team football.
Hatchard believes the teenager must think about where he can play, how he can develop and what will be best for him and his family.
At 15, Gabriel still has plenty of time to decide his next step. For Manchester United, that means the door is not necessarily closed yet.
