Manchester United have formally offered JJ Gabriel a scholarship contract. Still, the club risks losing one of its most highly rated academy players for a fee of just £350,000.
JJ Gabriel turned 16 this week and shocked Manchester United last month when he requested the cancellation of his registration. His decision immediately put some of Europe’s biggest clubs on alert, with Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain all understood to be interested in the teenage forward.
United were facing the possibility of Gabriel leaving for nothing in January under Premier League youth rules unless they offered him a formal scholarship for next season. The club has now submitted that offer to the player, as per The Guardian. Despite the offer, there is little expectation that he will accept it and remain at Old Trafford.
JJ Gabriel Could Still Leave Manchester United
Should Gabriel move to another Premier League club, United would be entitled to negotiate a compensation fee. If the two clubs cannot reach an agreement, the amount would be determined by a Professional Football Compensation Committee tribunal.
United could expect a significantly higher figure in that scenario, with the club reportedly anticipating more than £3 million as well as a 20 per cent sell-on clause.
There is already a similar example of how such cases can work. Liverpool were ordered to pay Chelsea £2.8 million up front for academy player Rio Ngumoha, with a further £1.2 million available in performance-related payments and a 20 per cent sell-on clause included.
Gabriel’s preferred destination is believed to be outside England, though his next club has yet to be decided. Real Madrid are considered favourites, with Barcelona, Bayern and PSG continuing to monitor the situation.
A move abroad, though, would leave United with considerably less compensation. That scenario seems the most likely, with multiple major clubs in Europe interested. As covered earlier in our report, Bayern Munich has already offered a decent package to the teenager.
Why Manchester United Could Receive Only £350,000
Under FIFA’s compensation figures for a Category I academy, United would receive around £350,000 if Gabriel transfers overseas. He would normally be unable to make such a move before turning 18, but his eligibility for an EU passport through his parents could allow him to leave.
The situation has become even more concerning because Gabriel has not trained with United for more than three weeks. Sources say the club has made several attempts to check on his well-being during that period. However, the player is adamant about a move away and is reportedly keeping himself fit through a private coach in Barcelona.
Manchester United are also considering legal action if they believe recruitment rules have been breached by clubs or other parties involved in the situation.
JJ Gabriel has long been regarded as a potential future star, making the possibility of his departure a major setback for United’s academy.
What happens next is yet to be seen, but JJ Gabriel is expected to reject United’s scholarship offer.
